Marten Walinga threefold Frisian Draughts World Champion

Text: Liuwe Westra
Photo: St. WFD

Wiersma stopped by Kooistra, Walinga laughing third party.
 
In the final round of the Frisian Draughts World Championships, Jelle Wiersma (3 p.), Marten Walinga
(2.5 p.) and Teake Kooistra (2.5 p.) all three still had a chance at the title. That changed after the first
game. Walinga won from Ties Slagter (0 p.), bringing his score to 3.5 p. By the way, on the 27th move he
had a narrow escape: both he and his opponent overlooked a combination, with which Slagter could
have ruined Walinga's aspirations in one blow. At the same time, against Kooistra, Wiersma managed to
get no further than a draw. He was in a better position several times according to the analysis, but did
not manage to force his way to a win. With that, everything depended on the last two games.
 
Although it could be seen that Kooistra and Wiersma had given their utmost, fighting tooth, nail and
claw, they had to face each other again after lunch. Again it was a particularly tough game of more than
three hours. Meanwhile, Walinga managed to pick up his second win against Slagter. The latter is
definitely a promise for the future, but currently lacks just too much routine in Frisian draughts. He kept
the game balanced until the 32nd move, but then had to acknowledge his superior in Walinga.
Meanwhile, Kooistra and Wiersma toiled on. The computer again indicated an advantage for Wiersma
on move 34, but the position was complex and no winning continuation was found. The two struggled
on for another 17 moves, but in the end the game ended in a draw, making Walinga world champion
Frisian Draughts for the third time.
 
In the morning, the last side event took place at the Willem Barents Wharf: the first international
tournament Malay Draughts. This form of the game of draughts has only survived in a 19th-century
manuscript, but has been practised sporadically again recently. This time, the Frisian team proved the
strongest, followed by an internationally composed team. Pole Kosobudzki was the strongest individual
player.
 
The winner was honoured and all players addressed by mayor Ina Sjerps. She mentioned the historical
connection between Frisian Draughts and Harlingen and expressed the sincere wish that in the future
players from all corners of the world can come to the Frisian seaport unhindered to claim this unique
title.

Mayor Ina Sjerps (l) and world champion Marten Walinga

World champion Marten Walinga with champion's wreath and silver grand prix.
The final round of
the Frisian Checkers World Championships in Harlingen, referee Siep
Buurke shakes hands with the world champion. Here before the start of
his match against Ties Slagter