Basalt Women's World Draughts Championship Blitz & Superblitz in Hoogeveen: explosive action with international stars
Hoogeveen – Two days of lightning-fast moves, nerve-wracking time pressure, and pure draughts excitement: on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August, Hoogeveen will become the vibrant heart of international women’s draughts. During the Basalt Women’s World Blitz & Superblitz Draughts Championship, twenty of the world’s best female players will compete for the prestigious world titles in these ultra-fast formats.
By Elise Schouten
What makes this championship especially remarkable is not only the exclusive field of participants but also its organisation: entirely in the hands of three young members of the Hoogeveen Draughts Club. Vera Brunink (21) serves as both tournament director and chief referee, while Nicole de Vries (21) and Lisa Scholtens (20) are involved as co-organisers and players. Nicole is also chair of DroomDamsters, an initiative promoting girls’ and women’s draughts in the Netherlands.
Alderman for Sports Ronald Klok, who will present the prizes, is looking forward to the event:
“It’s fantastic that we get to host a World Championship here in Hoogeveen. It shows how sport brings people together and inspires. That this event is organised by three young women from Hoogeveen makes me especially proud and proves what can be achieved when you follow your passion.”
World-Class Players in Hoogeveen
The tournament features twenty elite players from around the world. Ukrainian Viktoriya Motrichko, the 2024 World Champion in classical draughts and current world number one, arrives in Hoogeveen with clear ambitions. Fellow Ukrainian-born Darya Tkachenko, now representing the Netherlands and reigning classical world champion, will also be competing. Polish player Natalia Sadowska, the current Blitz World Champion, is returning to defend her title. All three grandmasters excel under extreme time pressure and rank among the absolute elite of the sport.
“Blitz games bring a different kind of tension,” says Sadowska. “I often take creative risks and play unexpected moves just to throw my opponent off balance. The pace, the adrenaline—it’s a rush.”
Rising Stars
In addition to these international champions, strong Dutch players will also be in action, including National Talents Lisa Scholtens, Yulia Bintsarovska, and Fleur Kruysmulder—all part of TeamNL KNDB. The participant list offers an exciting blend of experienced masters and promising young talent, making this championship not only a battle of strength but also an encounter between generations and styles.
Spectacular Tournament Format
The appeal of Blitz (5 minutes + 3 seconds per move) and Superblitz (3 minutes + 2 seconds) lies in the explosive pace and unpredictable nature of play: one moment of hesitation or a minor mistake can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Both tournaments begin with a preliminary round, followed by a thrilling knockout phase for the top four players. This new format guarantees nail-biting finals.
Hoogeveen Open Kicks Off the Draughts Summer
In the lead-up to the World Championship, the 16th edition of the Hoogeveen Open will take place from 11 to 16 August. Organised by Damvrienden van Hoogeveen and draughts club HDC Hoogeveen, this event already boasts 113 participants—from youth players and recreational draughts enthusiasts to experienced competitors and international guests. Several local players who competed at the European Youth Championship in Italy will also take part. Participants hail from countries including Azerbaijan, Suriname, Belgium, France, French Guiana, Lithuania, and Malta. As is tradition, a parallel youth tournament for regional talent will also be held, adding to a promising draughts summer in Hoogeveen.
Follow Live
The championship will take place at Het Activum (Sportveldenweg 2, Hoogeveen). Spectators are very welcome and entry is free. For draughts fans around the world, all games will be streamed live at wkvblitz.kndb.nl, with analyses and results available throughout the event. Commentary will be provided by FMJD master Nick Waterink, whose insight and enthusiasm appeal to both experts and new viewers alike.
This World Championship is made possible thanks to the support of:
Basalt Bouwadvies BV, Municipality of Hoogeveen, Province of Drenthe, MMC, M3 Groep, Hotel Martensplek, Drentse Dambond, De Ontwerpster, J.E. de Vries Advies, CBA Concept Bedrijfsadministraties, Damclub HDC Hoogeveen, KNDB, FMJD, and the 20 Friends of the World Championship.
