I'm 99.99 percent sure. Of course, he'll actually have to confirm it before I'm sure.

I had a feeling he's 12, but is in the under 12 category.

Under 12 really means 11 and 12, Under 10 means 10 and 9, etc.

So he probably is 12

As long as he was under 12 on Jan 1, 2012, he can play in the U12 category.

I wasn't saying he was in the wrong category, Timothy asked if he was less than 12 years old.

I didn't say you did. Is Kacparov in this one.

Thanks for the update, good luck with the rest.

Is it like, 1 in the morning over there?

Slovenia=GMT+1.

now it is- 2 a.m. in Slovenia, 1 a.m. in the UK, 8 p.m. Eastern USA, 5 p.m. Western USA.

Yup, true. 15:47 now :)

Setbacks are hard to take, Shadowknight.

But you can grow from them.

One lesson which I suspect you might be able to take from this one is that in a lengthy tournament you need to manage your emotional state of mind. The bigger the event the more this is true. The very best take each game as it comes and it just does not matter whether the game before was a triumph or a disaster. Tough to do.

Anyway I hope you gained from the experience. Put on a good show for your mum and dad. If you think you have learned stuff from the experience, tell them about what you have learned. They will be hoping you aren't too disappointed.

Good luck for what remains of the trip. :)

Oh...:/ Just don't give up!

You aren't tied for last place :-) I only do the USA players because, well, I don't have 7 hours to do all the countries and I live in the USA. Keep in mind that you are ahead of many players from other countries, and that you can still make an even score.

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/scenarios-for-under-12-open-in-world-youth Interesting article about Cameron's chances for the gold (he is in sole first place now in U 12 Open.

This stuff happens sometimes.  Some years ago at a big regional event I was paired with a strong master in the third from last round.  A win would put me in strong contention for a top prize going into the final two games. 

I completely outplayed him, and arrived at move 38 with a choice of two winning plans.  One seemed quicker but did allow him some active counterplay, although it didn't look like it was going anywhere.  The alternative kept a grip on the position and an extra pawn and he has no play, but it was going to be a long squeeze.

I had a little over ten minutes left, so I decided to calculate the first line as far as I could before choosing.  I got lost in thought and suddenly:  "clink!" (the older analog clock's little plastic flag fell audibly in the silence of the playing hall).  I immediately looked, of course, and saw it, then at my opponent, who was more surprised than I was.

Sooner or later, Caissa will return the point to your account.  Until then, all you can do is suck it up and play the next game.  Don't worry, you may never be able to laugh about it, but the pain fades away.