The World Rapid & Blitz Cadet Chess Championship 2024, organized by FIDE and the Albanian Chess Federation, kicked off at the Fafa Resort & Spa Hotel in Durres, Albania, with an opening ceremony. The President of Albania, Mr Bajram Begaj, announced the event officially opened and made the first symbolic move in the game between Amina Hoti (Albania) and Gunesh Bayramova (Turkmenistan) in Girls U-8 section.

Hundreds of talented youngsters aged 6 to 12 gathered at the prestigious venue where team “Offerspill” headed by Magnus Carlsen triumphed in the European Club Chess Championship just six months ago. The event running from April 25-29, brought together 375 participants from 43 countries. This is the highest number of participating countries since the inaugural event back in 2017.

Competing over three intense days, these young chess talents, aged 6 to 12, from all around the world will vie for the coveted titles of World Champions in Rapid and Blitz, in the U8, U10, and U12 categories. 

The opening ceremony was attended by the President of Albania Bajram Begaj, FIDE Technical delegate, Honorary Chair and Chief Events lnspection, Ozgur Solakoglu, Renis Mullaj, the Vice MAJOR of Durres, Fidel YLLI, President of the Albanian Olympic Committee, Erald Dervishi, President of the Albanian Chess Federation, President of the Balkan Chess Federation, who welcomed the participants and wished them success.

On the first day, five rounds of the Rapid Championship were played. On the second day, we will see the final six rounds of this competition. On the third day, the participants will play 11 rounds of Blitz.

Text and photos: Anastasia Karlovich

Official website: official website: worldcadetrb2024.fide.com/