The former coach of the Hajduk and the hit of the Champions League has a high rating!

A former coach of Hajduk and a standout in the Champions League has achieved a notable milestone in chess, earning the title of International Master with a rating surpassing 2200 points. The achievement came during a closed women's chess tournament called "Queen Masters," held in Skalica, Slovakia. Tihana Ivecović, a Croatian player, crossed the threshold needed to claim the title after defeating Ukrainian grandmaster Evgeniya Doluhanova in a decisive game. The match, played in the Italian Game opening, saw Ivecović emerge victorious with a well-calculated sequence of moves. Her performance was marked by strategic depth and tactical precision, culminating in a win that secured her international master status. This success highlights the growing presence of Croatian players in the global chess scene, particularly among female competitors. In Split, another young talent made headlines. Matea Račević, a member of the ŠK Dubrovnik club, claimed the top spot in the under-11 girls' category at the International Final of the Plasma Sports Games for Youth, which took place from August 17 to 22. Her victory underscores the rising prominence of youth chess programs in Croatia, fostering new generations of skilled players. Meanwhile, in Huma on the Sutla River, the 18th Open Hum on Sutli tournament is underway, serving as an international open championship for the Krapina-Zagorje county. Slovenian FM Andraž Šuta leads the standings with six points after seven rounds, despite losing to local player Žaje. His performance reflects the competitive nature of regional tournaments, drawing participants from various countries. In Zadar, the Chess Festival continues through August 29 at the Center for Young People. The event features three tournaments across different categories, attracting 105 players from nine nations. Among the leading contenders in the A-category tournament is 14-year-old Erik Golubović, who has scored five points after seven rounds. His game against Jaka Brilej showcased his ability to handle complex positions and execute long-term strategies effectively. Another intriguing figure in the chess world is Valdas Dambrauskas, a former football coach known for his role with Azerbaijani club Sabah, which made history by qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Despite his professional career in football, Dambrauskas maintains a substantial FIDE rating of 1833 points, indicating a high level of amateur play. He once remarked that he has played more chess games than football matches, emphasizing the influence of chess on his coaching philosophy. Dambrauskas attributes his approach to football management to principles learned from chess, particularly the importance of controlling the center of the board, akin to controlling the central area of a football pitch. He believes this concept translates into team strategy, advocating for maintaining control over key areas of play. Additionally, he credits chess with teaching him emotional regulation, helping him avoid depression after losses and preventing excessive euphoria following victories. These developments illustrate the diverse ways in which chess intersects with other sports, influencing both individual careers and broader athletic philosophies. As tournaments continue to unfold across Europe, the contributions of players like Ivecović, Račević, Golubović, and even figures like Dambrauskas highlight the dynamic and evolving landscape of competitive chess.