The 2025 EU Youth Chess Championship has passed the halfway mark, with participants demonstrating fierce, uncompromising chess and a very high level of play.
After five exciting rounds, the category leaders are:
- U8: Lev Jevglevski (EST) with a perfect 5/5
- U10: Simon Perouin (FRA), also with a perfect 5/5
- U12: Alexandru-Daniel Pasca (ROU) with 4.5 points
- U14: FM Vlad Petroff (ROU) with 4.0 points
To celebrate the many combative and excellent games, the organizers are awarding a daily prize for the best game in each category.
So far, the following players have received a best-game prize: Wojciech Szlendak (POL), Simon Perouin (FRA), Ivan Menkov (CZE), Simon Matejka (SVK), Nicholas Josephides (CYP), Stefan Grigorescu (ROU), Nikodem Cieslar (POL), Boris Pogorelskiy (CZE), David-Christian Talaba (ROU), Thomas Lobina (FRA), Iris Hamernikova (CZE), Edward Bundan (GER), Romeo Brentegani (FRA), Pavel Hlavacek (CZE), Lukas Janovicek (SVK), Andrii Diachek (POL), Romero Antonio Landeros (CZE), Matelo Vinet (FRA), Stella Maesepp (EST), and Tobias Komarek (CZE).
The additional program began on Thursday, August 21, with a simul conducted by FM Josef Kratochvil. Eighteen young championship participants, playing with 30 minutes on their clocks against the FM’s 60 minutes, achieved a surprising 11-7 victory, with time proving to be the decisive factor.
A blitz tournament was held on Saturday, August 23, attracting 12 players from four countries, including EUYCC participants, coaches, and parents. FM Josef Kratochvil (CZE) won the event with 10.0/11 points, finishing ahead of Olga Debowska (POL, 9.5 points) and Anna Hrckova (CZE, 9.0 points). All winners received prizes.
Beyond chess, participants are enjoying the resort’s wellness center and playground, as well as the beautiful natural surroundings.
All results are available HERE
Written by Zdenek Fiala, director Sachovy klub Svetla nad Sazavou
Photos: Official website
Official website: chess.cz/mistrovstvi-evropske-unie/