Russian Youth Championship won by Artemiev and Kashlinskaya

When asked on his impressions of the Russian Youth Championships at AquaLoo, Chief Arbiter Alexey Moskvin, spoke not only as the main official responsible for a smooth competition, but also as a coach who recalls less favorable conditions in the past.

"For four years I have judged at the Russian Youth Championship, and this is my first time as Chief Arbiter. This is the largest and most important youth competition in Russia. I've been working a long time as a coach and remember the time when children had to go to the championship of different ages in different cities at all times of the year. Unfortunately, the living conditions and food did not always match the prestige of such a high level competition. And now, thank God, the Russian Chess Federation has managed to find a successful and superior format for the children. It is now possible to bring together in the same place at the same time so many boys and girls from all over Russia and arrange a real treat for them. The second half of April, the sea, the sun - is, of course, an unforgettable experience in the life of every young athlete, and certainly a great incentive to be selected here to play and win.

Chief Arbiter Alexey Moskvin keeps the order

This year, we have brought together some 1300 participants from 75 regions of the Russian Federation. At the moment there haven’t been any complaints or protests of the conditions. In my view, the arbiters and organizers have done an excellent job, but the final assessment, of course, is in the hands of the coaches, parents and participants themselves. There have been various disputes, as it's still a sport where everyone wants to win.

We must not forget that there area lot more participants than winners, and we just want to make a big chess festival that every young athlete who comes here, returns home in a great mood and a sense of having been a part of good tournament."

The battle for the U13 Girls title is underway

Think the strange scene above with a girl facing a boy was an informal moment, or a mistake?

Definitely not. Alexandra Goryachkina, the 15-year-old phenomenon, and World
 U18 Girls Champion chose to play in the Boy's U19 championship. She came in
second and will be Russia's representative in the European Youth championship.

The championship was indeed a great success, and the round-robin U21 championships were broadcast live and could be followed on Playchess. For those who have gotten a bit used to the drawfest that the absolute Russian Championship has become these last years, the younger generation have a very different approach to the game. Granted they are in the 2500-club and not the 2700, but their willingness to go out swinging is independent of their rating. The event was hard fought, and was eventually won by 15-year-old Vladimir Artemiev, who lost to Vladimir Belous in the last round, though could no longer be caught.

Vladimir Artemiev, champion with a round to spare, greets Vladimir Belous in the last round.

Belous was the highest rated in the field with 2560, and famously won the 2011 Moscow Open as an untitled player, much to everyone's surprise. In this tournament he showed incredible creativity and courage, which brought bright memories of the late Mikhail Tal. See the following sample games he played.

Great stuff.

Vladimir Artemiev, Russian U21 Boy's Champion

Andrey Stukopin, who led temporarily in the middle of the tournament, came in
second, beating two others on tiebreak.

The proud winners of the U21 championship: Vladimir Artemiev (gold), Andrey Stukopin
(silver), and Ivan Bukavshin (bronze). Bukavshin, though rated 2522, has an impressive
FIDE Blitz rating of 2683.

Final standings of Boy's U21 Championship

The Russian Girl's U21 championship was won by Alina Kashlinskaya with 6.0/9. It seem pretty obvious that had Alexandra Goryachkina played in it she would have been the easy favorite, but the Russian prodigy had other plans as noted above.

Olga Petrova showed up with both skill and a beautiful hair style

Final standings of Girl's U21 Championship

The 2013 Russian U21 Girl's Champions: Alina Kashlinskaya (gold), Daria Pustovoitova (silver), and Dina Belenkaya (bronze).

Pictures by Vladimir Barsky and Eteri Kublashvili

Links Official tournament site Boy's games in PGN Girl's games in PGN The games are being broadcast live on the official web site and on the chess server Playchess.com. If you are not a member you can download a free Playchess client there and get immediate access. You can also use ChessBase 12 or any of our Fritz compatible chess programs.

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