Draughts Ambassador Darya Tkachenko and World Champion Alexander Georgiev compete and represent their mind sport

Draught`s World Champion Alexander Georgiev was faced with a "Dutch Wall” during his first three matches, playing Netherland`s top 3 players. Except for a draw with Roel Boomstra, Georgiev mastered his task perfectly and is leading the race after the first day.

One of the local stars, youth world champion and draughts ambassador Hanqing Zhao, has not yet managed to fulfil the high expectations with 2 losses and 1 draw.

An unexpected highlight was provided to us by Alexander Schwarzmann (Russia) as he let a secure win slip. Schwarzman analysed his obvious mistake after the match: "I missed this possibility, I've not yet gotten into my flow, I did not yet 'feel' the board and the pieces, and it took me a lot of energy to focus my attention". His comments highlight how important it is to be in the zone from the start of the competition as at this level small mistakes decide matches.

For a summary of today's men's results, click here

For a summary of today's women's results, click here