The annual Youth Chess Open in Ketsch has once again proven its status as a key event in the regional chess calendar. This year’s tournament attracted participants not only from the Mannheim district, but also from neighboring states like Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse. Some chess enthusiasts even traveled long distances from cities such as Freiburg, Munich, and Frankfurt just to take part in the event.
High-Stakes Matches in Front of the Ketsch Mayor
The atmosphere was buzzing as young players engaged in intense games under the watchful eyes of a large crowd and Ketsch Mayor Timo Wangler. The tournament provided a valuable opportunity for these youth players to challenge peers of similar age and skill levels while gaining meaningful experience. Despite the competitive spirit, the fun and enjoyment of the game remained at the forefront.
Every age group featured highly skilled players. As in previous years, the U10 and U12 categories had the highest turnout, each with around 40 participants. Klaus Nestor from SSC Altlußheim took first place in the U8 category. In the U10 division, Leon Tomovski from Karlsruher SF emerged victorious. Levin Wettstein from SC Untergrombach clinched the title in U12, while Andrii Kravchenko from SK Sandhausen claimed the top spot in the U14 group.
In the U25 age group, Leon Wegmer from SSV Bruchsal came out on top. The Ketsch Chess Club also had strong showings from its local players: Julian Fritsch earned an impressive fourth place in the U10 category, while Philipp Wadlinger and Lennart Rudel finished fourth and eighth, respectively, in the highly competitive U25 division. “These achievements highlight the strong level of play and passion shown by the 19 young Ketsch players who competed,” said representatives from the hosting club.
Behind the Scenes: What It Takes to Organize an Event of This Scale
Putting together a tournament of this magnitude requires a coordinated effort from a large team of volunteers. As in previous years, many club members and parents of local youth players played vital roles in the preparation and execution of the event. The organizers also ensured that food and refreshments were readily available for both players and spectators. A wide array of donated salads, homemade cakes, and a popular waffle stand helped create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all involved.
