16 Facts About Natalia Pogonina

Natalia Andreevna Pogonina is a Russian chess player who holds the FIDE title of Woman Grandmaster.

Natalia Pogonina is the runner-up of the Women's World Chess Championship 2015.

Natalia Pogonina is a two time Russian Women's Champion.

Natalia Pogonina learned to play chess at the age of five, as her grandfather taught her the basics of the game.

Natalia Pogonina has been studying chess since 1993 after winning the school's checkers tournament.

Natalia Pogonina achieved notice for the first time in 1998 when she won the Russian under-14 girls championship.

Natalia Pogonina has won two gold medals at the European Youth Chess Championship, in the U16 girls category in 2000 and U18 girls in 2003.

In 2004, Natalia Pogonina was awarded the title of Woman Grandmaster.

Natalia Pogonina finished first at the prestigious Moscow Open 2009, and won the bronze medal at the Women's European Individual Championship 2009.

In 2011 Natalia Pogonina won gold medals at both the Women's European Club Cup and the European Team Chess Championship, as well as got silver at the Women's World Team Chess Championship.

Natalia Pogonina reached the final of the 2015 Women's World Championship and lost to Mariya Muzychuk.

Natalia Pogonina served as host and commentator of chess events at a number of chess websites, most notably, ChessGames.

In 2009 Natalia Pogonina became an ambassador of the Chess Elite software.

In 2008 Natalia Pogonina was studying for an MA in law at the Saratov State Academy of Law.

Natalia Pogonina's hobbies include flamenco, music, photography, travelling, sports, literature and poetry.

Natalia Pogonina's handle on the Internet Chess Club is "Bagira".