Novy Bor Chess Club is the winner of the European Chess Club Cup 2024 with the amazing 13 points. But the fight for the rest of the medals was epic. Vados Chess Club from Arad (Romania), who has just won the 3rd place at the European Club Cup in Serbia, despite starting as a 13th seed in a field of 84 squads. They were the true underdog success story at the European Chess Club Cup.
Replay all games / Final standings
Vlad Ghita says, “I have been a part of this club since 2008 when my OTB journey began in Arad. Little did I imagine that they would one day fight side by side against some of Europe’s top squads…With a budget that’s infinitesimal compared to the other top teams, they managed to collect 6 fighters”
GM Leon Luke Mendonca, (2622 Elo, only 18 years old), the stalwart from Goa on board 1, who turned in a solid TPR 2631. He is nearing 100 games played for the year and appears tireless. A month ago, he helped Vados conquer the 3rd domestic Romanian Superleague title in the last 4 years.
GM Aryan Chopra (2620, 22 year old from New Delhi), with 7 decisive games and a very strong TPR 2675 on board 2. Remarkable victory with the black pieces against Alexey Sarana is the highlight of his event.
GM Dieter Nisipeanu (2584), a legend of Romanian chess and a former European champion, also former 2700+ player. Now having transitioned into more of a coaching role within the federation, he plays less actively, but still turned in a solid TPR 2544 with no defeats on board 3.
IM Felix Ilinca (2419) with a glorious individual Gold medal on board 4 (ahead of Mamedyarov!!!), TPR 2805, exceeding the GM norm requirement by 1 full point and scoring 6.5/7. A legendary performance, maybe that of a lifetime, at only 14 years old.
FM Filip Magold (2409) scored an IM norm from 7 games with a remarkable TPR 2473 at 16 years old.
IM Alexandru David (2345) had a tough task of holding the last board against some top level players, but still turned in a solid TPR 2306.
