Yahli Sokolovsky Wins European Junior Chess Championship 2026

Israel's GM Yahli Sokolovsky won the European Junior Chess Championship 2026 in Cetinje with 7/9, while Eline Roebers topped the Girls section on 7.5/9.

Israeli GM Yahli Sokolovsky has won the European Junior Chess Championship 2026 in Cetinje, Montenegro. The top seed finished with 7 points from 9 games, half a point ahead of a group of four players.

Sokolovsky made sure of the title with a win in the final round, beating IM Vahe Sukiasyan of Armenia in 63 moves of the Ruy Lopez. His closest rivals could not catch him. GM Emin Ohanyan of Armenia drew his last game with IM Vladimir-Alexandru Cnejev of Romania. FM Mikhei Navumenka, Ohanyan, Cnejev and FM Artem Dyachuk of Ukraine all finished on 6.5 points.

Sokolovsky's tournament was a story of patience. He was held to a draw early on, in round 2, and was not leading after five rounds. But he played steadily and finished strongly, which is often how long Swiss tournaments are won.

In the Girls section, Eline Roebers of the Netherlands finished first with 7.5 points from 9 games, ahead of Tetyana Skarbarchuk of Ukraine on 7 and Anja Beber of Slovenia on 6.5.

FM Zanas Nainys, who led the Open section with 3 points from 3 games, could not keep up his early pace. That is common in big Swiss events. A fast start brings stronger opponents, and the second half of the tournament is usually much harder than the first.

There is a valuable lesson here for every young player. Sokolovsky did not panic when he was not leading at the halfway point. He kept playing good chess, and his last-round win made him champion. Tournaments are long, and a steady approach often beats a fast start followed by a slowdown.

Congratulations to both European Junior champions.