18 players, one chessboard, and hundreds of decisions ahead
On March 22, the Open Championship of the Vysochanska community in chess was held at the Youth Center HIGH HUB in cooperation with the Vysochanska Youth Sports School.
18 participants from Vysokyi, Pokotylivka, Budy, and the city of Pivdenne sat down at the chessboards to test their endurance, strategic thinking, and ability to hold their position until the end.
The competition took place in three categories:
junior (ages 6–12);
senior (ages 13–17);
a separate category for girls, where five participants competed for victory
The tournament was opened by the First Deputy Head of the Vysochanske Settlement Council, Ivan Mykhailychenko. In his address, he emphasized the importance of systematic work with youth, as it is they who shape the future of the community and the country.
Two hours of intense play flew by like a single blitz game. Real battles unfolded on the boards: some chose aggressive openings, others played defensively, while precision in the middlegame and cold calculation in the endgame became decisive. Here, every move mattered, and a mistake could cost the game.
Tournament results:
Girls category:
Alesia Nesterenko, 11 y.o., Pokotylivka
Kseniia Sydorenko, 17 y.o., Pokotylivka
Anastasiia Yashchenko, 12 y.o., Vysokyi
Junior boys:
Andrii Halkin, 12 y.o., Vysokyi
Bronislav Kudrenko, 13 y.o., Vysokyi
Ivan Halkin, 9 y.o., Vysokyi
Senior boys:
Kyrylo Bilozub, 13 y.o., Vysokyi
Bohdan Somyk, 14 y.o., Vysokyi
Vladyslav Kaliuzhnyi, 14 y.o., Vysokyi
We thank coach Volodymyr Zhukov for professionalism, support of youth, and contribution to the development of chess in the Vysochanska community.
The chessboard brought together different ages, different personalities, and different experiences. And one thing remained common — the desire to think, develop, and win.
Good news:
On April 4, 2026, a chess section for children and youth will open at HIGH HUB under the guidance of coach Volodymyr Zhukov. An opportunity to learn from scratch or improve your game and reach a new level.
The Vysochanska community once again proves: strong youth are formed where there are opportunities and support.
With support: High Hub Youth Center