… Halkidiki, Greece from 19th to 31st October 2018

Tournament Director – FIDE IO Nikos Kalesis
Official website – http://www.worldyouth2018.com
Email – chess.at.holidays@gmail.com

Meet the Team

Head of Delegation – Christelle Hafstad

Aditya Munshi Adi has represented England on seven previous occasions. He has been a junior British champion in his age group previously and is a member of British Mensa. Adi likes science, cricket, badminton, table tennis, and maths; he loves to play the piano and drums and can speak Spanish, French and German. Adi hopes to do well in the World Championship!

Max French I started playing competitive chess shortly after joining Millfield School, aged 7 and I have benefited from the coaching of resident GM Matthew Turner since that time. I have represented Millfield’s U18 team for 7 consecutive years, since I was 9 years old. In 2015 I was awarded a chess scholarship by the school. Thanks to my parents I have been able to play in Open congresses across Europe, including France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Denmark, Austria and the Czech Republic, as well as one last year in Mexico. I play for Wells Chess Club, Somerset and Barbican 4NCL. In addition to chess I enjoy debating as well as playing hockey and cricket. I would like to thank my coach, GM Glenn Flear, and Millfield’s GM Matthew Turner, for their help and support.

Koby Kalavannan

Christopher Tombolis Christopher has been playing chess since he was 6. Since then he has represented his school, club, county and country. His individual junior accolades include: U8 British champion, U12 British champion with a score of 7/7, U10 London junior champion, U12 West of England champion, Winner of 3 Megafinals and 3 Gigafinals over the years in the junior chess challenge, board 1 for Richmond who won the U11 EPSCA county championships. Christopher is in the 3rd year of the ECF Chess Academy. He receives regular coaching by IM Tom Rendle who has coached him for the last 4 years and who he would like to thank for all his help over the years.

Leif Hafstad

Nadia Jaufarally Nadia is delighted to be representing England for the 6th time since started playing chess in 2014. She would like to thank The Chess Trust and GM Peter Wells for their valuable support and beliefs. She would also like to thank the ECF’s Traci Whitfield, as well as her parents and chess friends who have made her become the player that she is so far. Last but not least, she would like to thank her school and the Headteacher, Mrs Margaret Chapman, for the invaluable support and understandings in allowing her time off school to participate in this prestigious event.

Anita Somton

Nilomi Desai I started playing chess at an age of 7 and have enjoyed it ever since. I currently attend The Lady Eleanor Holles School in Hampton where I play in our chess club run by Mike Basman. I have held the Grand Prix title for 5 years and just achieved a silver medal in an Open tournament in France. A very big thank you goes to the ECF academy and their training which has shaped me to become a better player.

Ilya Misyura Ilya was proud to represent England at World Youth Championship three times in Durban, Halkidiki and Batumi. He attends Westminster School and loves Maths and Robotics as well as his football and tennis there. The Chess became a huge part of his life and he wants to thank everyone who has helped him during all those years!

Callum Brewer

Guatam Jain Gautam is a student at University College School. He previously attended Heathside Prep, and is grateful to both schools for encouraging his love of chess.