Two medals for our team at the Youth EP

The Slovenian juniors achieved a remarkable success at the European Junior Standard Chess Championships, which took place in Budva, Montenegro, from 27 October to 7 November. In a competition of 1,168 chess players from a record 48 countries, our two talented members of the club were among the best on the old continent. Jernej Kozlovič and Maks Levačić, who won a silver and a bronze medal!

Silver Jernej Kozlovič 

Jernej Kozlovič won the last round with a great game and a win second place in the boys' U16 category. This made him European champion and one of the biggest surprises of the championship, as the 35th seed went all the way to the top of the rankings. He earned an incredible 72 rating points and proved that he is one of Europe's most promising juniors.

Bronze Maks Levačič

In the youngest category (boys up to 8 years old), Maks Levačič, with an excellent finish in the last rounds, made it to the Bronze medals and, just like Jernej, won a bunch of new 70 rating points. Maks proved with his fighting style of play that he has a huge potential and is looking forward to a great chess career.

Highlights of the Slovenian team results:

• Frida Kaloh - 4th place (girls up to 8 years)
• Anja Beber - 11th place (girls up to 14 years)
• Zarja Gomboši - 25th place (girls up to 10 years)

The following members of our club also did well:

• Rudi Olenik Čampa - 18th place (boys under 18)
• Ema Jakša - 19th place (girls up to 12 years)
• David Krstic - 30th place (boys U12)

Results of other members of our club:

• Tristan Kamenšek - 46th place (boys U8)
• Mark Musil - 76th place (boys U8)
• Matic Levačič - 75th place (boys U10)
• Jan Verbič - 62nd place (boys U10)
• Leonard Belyaletdinov - 55th place (boys U12)

Slovenia was represented in Budva by 25 young competitors, including 10 members of our club, who bravely faced their peers from all over Europe. The championship once again showed that Slovenian youth chess has a rich talent pool and a solid future.

Congratulations to all Slovenian chess players, coaches and chess companions for their dedication, courage and exemplary representation of Slovenia on the European stage!