GM Denis Kadric wins his maiden title at Montenegro Chess Championship

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Grandmaster Denis Kadrić, has become the newly crowned Montenegrin Chess Champion. The second seed scored impressive 9/11 in a strong field and claimed his first national title after finishing third in each of his three previous appearances.

The championship, an 11-round Swiss tournament, was organized by the Chess Federation of Montenegro and held at the National Library “Radosav Ljumović” in Podgorica from February 10-19, with sponsorship provided by the Ministry of Sports and Youth. The total prize fund amounted to €15,000. Arbiters Zoran Peruničić and Momčilo Pekić carried out their duties smoothly and professionally.

As many expected, the event turned into a close race with the winner decided only in the final round. Kadrić and FM Oleg Jaksin had a great start both winning four straight games before clashing in Round 5. Jaksin prevailed but his lead was short-lived as he lost in the next round allowing IM Aleksandar Tomic, FM Jovan Milovic and Kadrić to catch up. In Round 7 Kadrić and Milovic scored victories and pulled away.

The new joint leaders locked horns in Round 8. Kadrić emerged victorious, took the sole lead and preserved it to the very end. Heading into the final round a half point ahead of GM Nikola Đukić, he drew with the 2025 Champion and top seed Nikita Petrov and claimed the title, as his main rival also split the point with FM Nemanja Vukcevic.

Đukić and Milović finished a half point behind the champion, tying for second place. Tiebreak criteria awarded the silver medal to Đukić and the bronze to Jovan Milović, who also serves as President of the Chess Federation of Montenegro and recalled his days as a youth representative for Yugoslavia.

Đukić delivered a stable performance and improved his rating, scoring seven wins and three draws with his sole loss coming in the fourth round against eventual champion Kadrić. Playing with determination and flair, Milović notched eight wins, one draw, and two losses to secure his first  podium finish at the national championship.

Final standings

Special prizes were awarded to Nikolina Koljević as the tournament’s most successful female player, and to Peko Đurović as the top junior. Rating category prizes went to Nikola Popović (under 1700), Mito Đukanović (under 2000), and Božidar Kisić (under 2200).

Photos: Šahovski savez Crne Gore