2025 World Youth Chess Championship
Report by John Mukabi
Kenya Shines with African Pride at the 2025 World Youth Chess Championships in Durrës, Albania
The curtains have fallen on the 2025 World Youth Chess Championships in the picturesque city of Durrës, Albania,a grand festival of intellect and endurance that brought together an astonishing 711 players from 83 countries. Africa’s colours flew high, with Kenya standing tall among the six African nations that showcased raw talent, grit, and determination in this ultimate global stage for young minds.
The African delegation featured South Africa and Kenya leading the charge with 10 players each, followed by Egypt (7), Algeria (6), Namibia (5), and a lone warrior from Zambia. The championship concluded in spectacular fashion at the Grand Blue FAFA Hotel poolside, where the champions of tomorrow were crowned under the Albanian night sky.
Winners
In the Under 14 Girls category, WFM Polina Smirnova (Russia) claimed Gold with 9 points, edging Rukiya Olimova of Uzbekistan and WFM Jemaicah Mendoza of the Philippines. Kenya’s rising stars, Elizabeth Cassidy Maina and Shakirah Shukri , despite missing the opening two rounds, finished with 5 and 4 points respectively, a promising performance among 107 global contenders.
The Under 14 Open section witnessed FM Mark Smirnov of Kazakhstan take the top honour with 9.5 points, followed by IM Hoachen Jiang of China and CM Artem Lebedev of Russia. Kenya’s Christian Mugambi fought bravely to secure 3.5 points in this fiercely contested group.
In the Under 16 Girls category, the crown went to WFM Diana Khafizova (Russia) with 9.5 points, while WFM Marija Kuznecova (Latvia) and WFM Yining Chen (China) completed the podium. Kenya’s Genevieve Maashao showed strong resolve, earning 4 points in a demanding field of 113 players.
The Under 16 Open belonged to Kazakhstan once more, with GM Edgar Mamedov and IM Sauat Nurgaliyev leading on 8 points apiece, while FM Alexandr Volodin (Russia) sealed Bronze. Kenya’s duo, Cyprian Mbaabu and Jesse Asin, displayed admirable endurance, finishing with 4 and 3 points respectively.
In the Under 18 Girls, WIM Muziyan Gao (China) reigned supreme with 9 points, followed by WIM Manon Schippke (France) and WFM Valeria Kleymenova (Russia). Kenya’s Zena Ibrahim wrapped up her campaign with 2.5 points, gaining invaluable international experience.
The Under 18 Open saw a thrilling three-way tie on 8.5 points, with GM Jagadeesh Siddharth (Singapore), IM Artiom Stribuk (Belarus), and IM Adarsh Sriram (India) sharing the spotlight. Kenya’s Hawi Kaloki scored 5 points, a commendable performance against some of the world’s finest young masters.
As the waves of the Adriatic whispered farewell, Kenya’s contingent returned home with heads held high proud ambassadors of African chess excellence. From courage to composure, our young lions proved that Kenya’s place in world chess is rising, one move at a time.
Links
World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championships 2025 on chess-results.com.
2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championships Live Games.
Official website of the 2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championship.
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Article by Kenya Chess Masala.