Jure Skoberne and Barbara Skuhala are the new champions of Slovenia.

The 2023 Slovenian championship, a 9-round Swiss tournament with classical time control, took place in Radenci, Hotel Radin, from April to May 02. The titles were awarded in several categories, including open, women, juniors and veterans.

GM Jure Skoberne lived up to his rating-favourite status, but he had to work really hard competing with young FM Domen Tisaj to the very end. The 21-year-old from Maribor led most of the way and came to the final round on 7/8, a half-point ahead of Skoberne and Matej Sebenik.

Facing FM Maksym Goroshkov with the black pieces, the leader found himself in a lost position but eventually squeaked out a draw. Meanwhile, Skoberne scored a crucial victory over Jernej Kozlovic and caught up with Tisaj, while Sebenik miraculously escaped with a draw against Leon Skrbec.

As a result, Skoberne and Tisaj tied for first place with the former wrestling gold, thanks to a slightly better Buchholz (just a point difference). Domen Tisaj completed his third IM norm and will be awarded this title soon. Matej Sebenik finished a half-point behind the two and earned bronze.

Barbara Skuhala scored 5½ points, took eighth place and clinched the title in the women’s category.

Final standings:

The winners by categories:

National Champion Open: Jure Škoberne, ŠD Posočje
National Women Champion: Barbara Skuhala, ŽŠK Maribor Polygram
Juniors U20: Leon Škrbec, Postojna School
Junior girls U20: Kaja Faganel, ŠD Domžale
Veterans: Boris Kovač, ŠD Pomgrad
Veterans Women: Majda Kovač, ŠD Pomgrad

The organizers are grateful to all the supporters of the tournament, especially to the company Solviks d.o.o. and Šahovska zveza Slovenije and Krka d.d. that contributed to the prize fund.

Photo and info: Železničarski šahovski klub Maribor Poligram