The last tour is not for everyone. Tragedies and luck, as well as ethics of behavior. (Part 2)
The last round in many tournaments is decisive for strong players who are aiming for victory. Strong players do not “finish” the tournament, but rather play until the very end, like true athletes, and give their best, even if the chances of success are slim. Just recently, in China, the world’s strongest grandmasters were competing for a spot in the top three. It was the last round that determined who would take home the prizes.
But there are also very dramatic events. Let’s take a look at the latest matches in the European Junior Championship.
Group U-16
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In the group of cadets among girls Misane Malvine secured the championship title one round before the end of the tournament. Perhaps this explains the somewhat relaxed attitude in the game of the last round with the rival from Poland Burdajewicz Aniela. But having gathered in time, in a seemingly lost position, Misane Malvine managed to save herself in a very original way.
Misane Malvine – Burdajewicz Aniela, Round 9, U-16 1.31-27!! 21:34 2. 44-40!! 50:41 3. 40:9 41-47 4. 3-8 23-28?? 5. 3-14 A few moves later, a peace agreement was signed. |
| Group U13 | |
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In the group of girls, the battle continued until the last round. The leaders could not relax for a moment. Misane Alise was the easiest and fastest to defeat her opponent.
Misane Alise – Damari Clara, Round 9, U13. Already in a position without a checker, Black decided to force a draw, but they miscalculated. And Misane Alise became the champion without waiting for the end of her pursuers’ games. 1…… 15-20?? 2. 24:15 4-10?? 3. 15:4 17-21 4. 4:22 21:41 5. 22-36! and black admitted defeat . |
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In order to take second place, white needed to win. But how could they win against a 5-on-5 opponent? The only way was to rely on a gift. And that’s exactly what happened. Black made a beautiful and inexplicable gift by offering to sacrifice a checker.
Ivanova Varvara – De Meyer Anne-Minh, Round 9, U13 1.37-31 22-27?? (here’s your enemy and Kuzka’s mother!) 2. 38:27 22-28 .and later, White won this position without asking the opponent, “What was that?” |
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But the real drama unfolded in the boys’ group in the last decisive round. Kurik Kevin had a great performance throughout the tournament in the classical program, and before the final round, he was 1 point ahead of his opponents. To become the champion, he only needed to draw with Andersons Toms. A few misguided moves and the position became two times losing. Fortunately, Kurik Kevin’s opponent did not take advantage of their chances. The opponents moved to the next position. Andersons, Toms – Kurik Kevin, Round 9, U13. In this position, Black correctly assessed the situation and forced a draw. 1…… 23-28!! 2. 32:23 19:28 3. 30:10 47-41!! 4. 25:14 41-36 5. 33:22 36:21 And then!!! A small drama unfolded. The black pieces fought, the queen was placed and the clock was pressed. Without removing the beaten pieces from the board before! The opponent took advantage of this. Had, as they say, the right! Kurik Kevin courageously and with honor accepted this blow. We sincerely supported and worried for him. And in the Blitz program, he won and deservedly became the champion. (Justice prevailed). And we sincerely wish Kurik Kevin success and new male victories both in the game and in life. But… formally, the rules are observed and there can be no complaints. But here is what we noticed. Especially looking at what was happening at the same time on the second board (played a draw position three to one). In the game of children, sometimes respect and dignity for the opponent is lost. We have observed many times how children played draw endings on principle at this championship, trying to win “at any cost”. And this causes very mixed feelings. We always tell our students that
– these are diametrically opposed concepts!!! As is the character of those who adhere to either one or the other version of victory. And we always cite Alexander Georgiev and Natalie Sadovskaya as an example of respect for victory and for the opponent, But this is more of a question for the coaches and the entourage that currently “inhabits” the Western checkers world…. However…where is the “guy in the embroidered shirt” and the nobility. |
| without words…. | |