The World Russian Draughts Championship Has Begun in Moscow (Blitz: Day One)
So, today marks the start of the main event of the year—the 2026 World Russian Draughts Championship has kicked off in Moscow! The competition venue is superbly located, with comfortable and modern rooms in a 4-star hotel; nearby on the hotel grounds are tennis courts, a swimming pool, a gym, and spacious recreational areas. Representatives from 24 countries across 4 continents have gathered to compete for the title of world champions!
Today, following a spectacular opening ceremony and speeches by guests of the World Championship—including Odesa Khasaevich Baysultanov, First Deputy Minister of Sports of Russia; Dmitry Alexandrovich Abarenov, Minister of Sports of the Moscow Region; Anatoly Yuryevich Nikitin, President of the Russian Draughts Federation; and Vladimir Olegovich Langin, President of the International Draughts Federation (IDF)—the Blitz program began.
Yuri Kirillov from Israel is demonstrating remarkable stamina and results. He made it into the top eight and competed on equal footing with renowned young grandmasters. A very respectable result in the fastest-paced event.
There were also dramatic game endings and personal dramas. Everything you’d expect from the year’s biggest dramatic event.
Final Round
