The
World Youth championship has begun in Porto Carras, Halkidiki in Greece, with
world championship titles for both boys and girls in categories ranging from
under-8 to under-18. As a result no fewer than 1596 competitors have come from
91 nations around the world to vie for a place in history. Here are some of the
names to watch for and many beautiful photos by Reint Dykema.
With
so many categories and names, it is hard to know where and who to look for, so
without any claims of an exhaustive list, names will be mentioned with some of
the lovely photos and portraits by Reint Dykema, who has been of invaluable
help over the last couple of World Youth championships.
The playing venue of the World Youth championships overlooks a breathtaking area in
Porto Carras, Halkidiki in Greece.
Porto Carras, Halkidiki in Greece.
The entrance to the venue
There are numerous attractive options to stay such as the Lagomandra Hotel
As can be expected in this luxurious seaside area, beautiful yachts and boats are everywhere
Teams from all over the world flew in to partake in this memorable competition. Go Team Lebanon!
Representatives of Team Iraq
An overhead view of the large playing hall
The chief arbiter opens the round and ensures a smooth competition, at
least as smooth as can be hoped for with 1600 youths, parents and coaches
least as smooth as can be hoped for with 1600 youths, parents and coaches
The beginning of the hostilities is always prefaced by a handshake
One of the most fascinating categories is the Boys Under-12. Playing black is the
top seed Nodirbek Abdusattorov, rated an astoudning 2432 FIDE at just 11 years old!
top seed Nodirbek Abdusattorov, rated an astoudning 2432 FIDE at just 11 years old!
The USA brought in their hevaiest guns, but the biggest name is wthout a doubt...
... FM Awonder Liang, 11 years old, and rated 2365. Awonder had a rough start with a draw
in round one, but has since recovered with clean wins. Bear in mind of all the most prominent
US super-talents he is the one in the most difficult situation, having secured no coach or aid.
in round one, but has since recovered with clean wins. Bear in mind of all the most prominent
US super-talents he is the one in the most difficult situation, having secured no coach or aid.
Let's also not forget German talent Vincent Keymer, also 11 years old,
untitled and sporting a hefty 2347 FIDE. In spite of that rating, it is
incredible to think that he is only the fourth seed in his division.
untitled and sporting a hefty 2347 FIDE. In spite of that rating, it is
incredible to think that he is only the fourth seed in his division.
In the Boys under-14, the big favorite is Iranian super-talent M.Amin
Tabatabaei, who is rated 2488 and on the rise. He edges out his nearest
rivals by a hefty 50 Elo.
Tabatabaei, who is rated 2488 and on the rise. He edges out his nearest
rivals by a hefty 50 Elo.
Here is a name to definitely watch for: Bibisara Assaubayeva from Kazakhstan
ranked 11th in the Girls under-18. What is so special about this young lady?
She is only 11 years old playing against rivals as much as 6-7 years older, and
don't kid yourself, she is no lightweight... so to speak.
ranked 11th in the Girls under-18. What is so special about this young lady?
She is only 11 years old playing against rivals as much as 6-7 years older, and
don't kid yourself, she is no lightweight... so to speak.
It is still not all about number ones and number twos. This is Algerian Wassel Bousmaha,
in the under-10 who beat Russian Andrey Tsvetkov rated 400 Elo more! Note that Wassel
is also the African under-10 champion.
in the under-10 who beat Russian Andrey Tsvetkov rated 400 Elo more! Note that Wassel
is also the African under-10 champion.
The young lady on the left with the shar looking green cap is Anri De Villiers of South Africa
Dilligently writing down the moves
Isik Can from Turkey is playing in the Boys under-10 with a broken hand.
Boys will be boys.
Boys will be boys.
Hypnotizing the pieces or hypnotized by the pieces?
Seven-year-old Vikram Anishka from India
Amelie Phung from the USA is playing in the Girls under-8
WCM Isil Can from Turkey is playing in the Girls under-10
13-year-old WFM Marina Gajcin hails from Serbia
The tournament would hardly be complete without the cohort of parents...
... and coaches to ensure the well-being of the youngesters.
A breathtaking sunset at Porto Carras
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