The spectacularly organized European Championship of National Teams in the "Splendid" Hotel showed that Montenegro has capacities of European proportions to provide hospitality and playing conditions to the best chess players of the countries of the Old Continent. It was a pleasure to hear the words of praise from many participants of the competition, and I will add that nowhere in the world, during my long career, have I seen better treatment than this one in Budva.
Effective combinations on a magical black and white board, legendary Bozidar Bonja Ivanovic it fed the souls of lovers of the ancient game for years. The Grandmaster's words above are the Grandmaster's introduction to the story of the European Team Chess Championship, which was played in Budva from November 10 to 21 this year.
The historical titles of the national team of Serbia in the men's competition, and Bulgaria in the women's competition, will remain inscribed in golden letters on the sea foam. While the impressions crystallized, the words of the President of the Chess Federation of Serbia also arrived. Dragan Lazić who joined Grandmaster Ivanović in praise for, as he stated, rarely seen or rather unprecedented conditions.
"It was a level unheard of in similar competitions. I would say that these standards will not be reached for many years," Lazić pointed out.
That the praise is justified is also confirmed by the facts: Budva hosted 350 of the best chess players in Europe, led by the undisputed world number 1 Magnus Carlsen. Guests from 39 countries of the Old Continent played 1.260 games and showed that the game of games is still alive and that the games are not doomed to a draw, considering that 710 of them were decided. and some beautiful combinations and games that will find their place in chess literature.
Montenegro also hosted the delegates of the Congress of the European Chess Union. Just like among the players, the undivided opinion that the championship in Budva was the best ever organized was also among the delegates. The Congress unanimously decided that Montenegro will host the European Men's Singles Championship in 2025 and the chess "League of Champions", i.e. the European Club Cup a year later. If we add to that the European Cadet Championship won for 2025, we come to the conclusion that our small and beautiful country will host all significant European competitions in just a few years.
If Montenegro as a whole is a gift from God, if the Montenegrin landscape is a miracle of beauty and the recognition of an encounter with a paradise region, if a Montenegrin is stuck on a cliff to be envied, if chess is a game above games, and at the same time an art above art, then the story of To Montenegro and chess - endless love that inspires, an eternal flame full of warmth.
In the end, it remains a contribution to the promotion of Montenegro, Montenegrin sports, tourism, but also an unequivocal contribution to the economy. For the signatory of these lines, the memory of his contribution to the organization of the biggest sports event in Montenegro remains, but also the memory of the night when he cheered on the "brave falcons" in the company of two Geniuses. Dejan Savićević and Magnus Carlsen.
In the end, not wanting to be immodest, I want to thank the organizing team, especially: Jovan, Igor and Milan, but also all judges, volunteers, sponsors and friends. Together, we gave Montenegro the most beautiful gift. A competition that remains written in golden letters in the history of not only Montenegrin, but also European chess.
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