IGOR EFIMOV

Born in Tbilisi (Georgia), 16 September 1960. Graduate in Sports Journalism and Physical Education. He began playing chess at age 5, became Candidate Master at 14, Master at 16. International Master in 1984; International Grandmaster in 1992.

Youth achievements include:

• Multiple Georgian Youth Champion
• First place, 1977 Soviet Youth Championship with Team Georgia
• Absolute winner, Transcaucasia Championship 1983 and 1986

After significant achievements in Italy, he settled in Montecatini Terme. In 1996, FIDE transferred his membership to the Italian Chess Federation (FSI).

• Four-time Italian Absolute Champion (1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, winner without title)
• Two-time Italian Team Champion with Surya of Montecatini Terme (1998–1999)
• Member of the Italian national team, Chess Olympiads 1997–2000, playing first board and serving as Captain

He now plays for the Principality of Monaco, where he has won seven national titles and two French Team Championships. A Senior FIDE Trainer, he has coached Grandmasters including Nana Ioseliani, former World Vice-Champion, and Axel Rombaldoni, whom he trained from childhood to seven Italian titles and to the Grandmaster title. He also served as Head of Youth Chess for the Italian Chess Federation (CONI).