What an incredible story, 18 year old IM Roman Dehtiarov scores historic win at the European Chess Championship. Background context and the fact that he refused to leave the warfront city to stay close to his father, makes this all so much more special. Kudos young man!
Pavel Eljanov@Eljanov
When the war started in early 2022, I tried to help several Ukrainian families relocate to Europe (mostly to England, thanks to @TelegraphChess and Andrew Churavin). In one case, everything was arranged for a family from Kharkiv - until their 14-year-old son, a talented chess player refused to leave at the last moment. He didn’t want to abandon his father. He stayed in one of the most dangerous places in Ukraine. With very limited chances to travel and barely any practice, he still became Ukrainian Champion. Now he’s grown up - and just caused the biggest sensation in the history of the European Championship! Remember the name: Roman Dehtiarov! Not for nothing our city Kharkiv is called “reinforced concrete!"
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