My student Eline World Champion Girls U14!

Hi everyone!

On Wednesday my long-term student Eline Roebers (The Netherlands) managed to win the World Championships online Girls U14! In the final she managed to defeat her Hungarian opponent Zsoka Gaal with 1.5-0.5. In the first game Eline (playing Black) got reasonably well out of the opening and then managed to trick her opponent with a neat intermediate check.

In game 2 a draw would be sufficient for the title, but as everyone knows there always lies a danger in playing for a draw. Eline got well out of the opening again, but in the middlegame lost track and allowed Black's pieces to enter her position. Zsoka Gaal completely ouplayed Eline, got a winning advantage but with both sides being down to their increment Eline miraculously managed to escape with a repetition and secure her first World Championship title!

Last year I accompanied her to the over the board championships in Mumbai, India. After nine rounds she was then leading the field by half a point, but two losses in the final rounds threw her back to the fifth place. In some way this years result feels like a sweet revenge for the missed opportunity in Mumbai!

No words can describe how proud I am as a coach, but more importantly how happy I am for her that all the hard work finally paid off!

In Dutch media a lot of attention has been paid to her recent success, as in daily news for kids (JeugdJournaal) a special item about Eline's World Championships title was yesterday broadcasted. For those who are familiar with Dutch language you can watch it here. 

For me 2020 has been a great year by getting married with the love of my life, buying a new house and my student Eline becoming World Champion. I know for others this year was less fortunate and I wish for them to get everything better in the New Year.

Happy Holidays!

Robert

P.S. Have a look at my personal website!