Israel Achieves Historic Chess Double at European Youth Championship
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Israel's Noam Sason and Eliran Shilon Rahav achieved a historic one-two finish at the European Youth Chess Championship Under 14 in Crete. Sason won gold and Rahav silver after tying on points. The Israeli delegation also saw strong performances in other age categories. Israel is set to host two major international chess tournaments in Jerusalem later in November.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Noam Sason and Eliran Shilon Rahav of Israel won gold and silver in the U14 European Chess Championship.
- Both Israeli players tied with 7.5 points, with Sason winning the title on tie-breakers.
- The Israeli delegation achieved other notable results across various age categories at the championship.
- The Israeli Chess Federation praised the new generation of players and the investment in talent development.
- Jerusalem will host two major international chess tournaments in late November.
Israel has achieved a significant success at the European Youth Chess Championship held in Hersonissos, Crete, from November 3 to 12. In the Under 14 category, Noam Sason secured the continental title, with his compatriot Eliran Shilon Rahav taking the silver medal, marking a historic "double" for Israel. Both players finished the nine-round competition with an identical score of 7.5 points. The 13-year-old Sason was crowned champion based on tie-breaking systems, while Rahav earned the silver. Armenian Tyhran Ambartsumian finished third with seven points. Sason, who was also the Under 9 European Champion in 2022, defeated Rahav in their direct encounter during the fifth round. Sason plays for the "Chess for All" club, and Rahav for "Excellence in Chess."
Beyond the Under 14 success, the Israeli delegation achieved other notable results. Roy Wegman placed fourth in the Under 18 category, and Felix Tolchinsky was seventh. In the Under 16 division, Ouri Shefer and Ili Zakin finished seventh and ninth, respectively. Yahli Makiyeh Shahar secured eighth place in the Girls Under 12 category, significantly improving from her starting rank of 70th.
The President of the Israeli Chess Federation, Tzvika Barkaï, praised the new generation of players and the efforts of clubs and coaches. Federation Director General Gil Burukhovsky highlighted the long-term investment in developing young talent. These achievements come as Jerusalem prepares to host two major international chess events. From November 17-18, a rapid chess tournament will feature over 450 players from 42 countries. Subsequently, from November 23-26, Jerusalem will host a Masters tournament with twelve top players, including Wesley So, Arjun Erigaisi, and Ian Nepomniachtchi, competing for a prize fund of $250,000, with $101,000 for the winner.
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Coverage from i24NEWS French
