Alexis Miriam Reren is the new European Union U12 champion!

Last Sunday, European Union Youth Chess Championship concluded in the Austrian town of Mureck. Estonia was represented by 12-year-old national champion Alexis Miriam Reren. Already at the start of the tournament, it became clear that the main battle for first place in the girls’ category (girls played together with boys) would unfold between our chess player and the representative of Ireland, who was ahead of Alexis in the starting list by almost 300 rating points. The two leaders, taking turns replacing each other at the front, approached the finish line with the Irish player’s minimal advantage of half a point. Both girls had very serious opponents in the last round, but Alexis had to win with black pieces to win gold, while her competitor could afford to make a draw with white pieces. At the same time, a defeat in the last game could have thrown Alexis out of the top 3.

The ability to play decisive games is one of the most important, necessary qualities of any successful international competitor. Playing against the current European Union champion (among boys!), Alexis managed to demonstrate her best qualities and calmly capitalize on her opponent’s serious mistake. Meanwhile, at the next board, the Irish player couldn’t hold for a draw in her game. First European title secured! Let’s also mention another participant from Estonia: Dominika Rodionova from the Narva club Maletäht won in the U10 girls’  category!

Vector chess club congratulates Alexis on her first international success! We are very proud and rooting for her, closely following the steady growth of her chess skills and wish her new tournament successes and further improvement in our favorite game of chess!

The European Union Youth championship results