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Elena Donaldson Akhmilovskaya, 1957-2012 Print E-mail
November 19, 2012
ElenaDonaldsonChib.jpg
Elena in her 1986 match against Maya Chiburdanidze

Women's Grandmaster Elena Donaldson Akhmilovskaya died in Seattle after a nine-month battle with cancer on November 18, 2012. Born on March 11, 1957 in St Petersburg, Elena was a three-time US Women's chess champion (1994, 1990 and co-champ in 1993) and Women's World Championship candidate. After winning the Candidates tournament Elena played a match against Maia Chiburdanidze for the Women's World Championship in 1986. She lost the match 8.5-5.5, though she won the following game:

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Elena eloped to the United States with IM John Donaldson at the 1988 Chess Olympiad in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Here's a victory from Elena at her first Olympiad playing for the US, in 1990 against a future World Champion:

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She later remarried to IM Georgi Orlov, who survives her along with her two children.  
 
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November - Chess Life Online 2012

A Parent’s Reflections: Prelude to the K-12 Khachiyan Wins American Open The Scoop on the National Chess Congress World #1 Magnus Carlsen visits the Bay Area Urgent Info for USCF Directors & FIDE Events Results are In From Thanksgiving Weekend Philly & Seattle Fight for US Chess League Championship Women's World Champs Final: Stefanova vs. Ushenina Dancing Around Chess at the Philadelphia Art Museum Chirila Wins UTD Invitational Sevillano Wins First East Bay OpenMedals in Maribor: A Coach's Perspective Check Out the New USCFSales.com Four Medals for USA: Troff & Sevian Earn GoldWorld Women's Champs Down to Eight US Chess League Quarterfinals: Highlights on the Board Elena Donaldson Akhmilovskaya, 1957-2012Chess Federation President Meets Vladimir PoznerIrina Krush on Winning Streak at Women's World ChampsUpdated USCF Scholastic Regulations Sevian Leads in Slovenia as Team USA Marches on Krush & Zatonskih Advance in Women's World Champs Kaidanov & Vojinovic Top King's Island Open USCF Accepting SuperNationals Bookstore Bids US Chess League: Playoff Time! USCF Invitational Requirements Updated Before the Storm: NYC Rapid Chess Challenge The Post on Lessons from Brooklyn Castle World Youth Begins in Slovenia Sevillano Takes Clear First in Auburn Open USCF Dues Promo: Buy Two Years of Premium, Get Third Free Hundreds face off in Pleasanton for G/30 and G/60 ChampsBrooklyn in Da House: Ashley Plays Blitz [VIDEO] Pairings Set for Women's World Champs International Game Day at Denton Library Notice to Premium Members: November Chess Life