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.
