Last weekend, we have organized Little Star Riga event, in cooperation with Latvian Chess Federation and Organizers of the Riga Christmas Chess Festival 2024.
The event aimed to inspire and support young female chess players – by organizing events with main focus on the girls we want to create a special moment for them, a moment when they can feel like stars and get motivated by it. A moment to shine.
Simul with WGM Dana Reizniece
The event started with a simultaneous exhibition with Woman Grandmaster Dana Reizniece. Nineteen girls took part, in what could have been their first event game against a Woman Grandmaster.
Three girls managed to keep their own: two made draws, and Nora Toomast managed to get a full point and win a game! Congratulations to Nora for this big achievement, and to all girls for their great fighting spirit and boldness with which they took on this challenge!
We are very grateful to WGM Dana Reizniece for giving her time and making this event so special. It was a great experience for the girls and who knows – perhaps it could be the start of their own journeys toward becoming titled players.
Little Star Riga Blitz Tournament
On the second day, the girls competed in the Little Star Riga Blitz Tournament. The tournament had 7 rounds and was full of exciting and fast-paced games. It was a great way for the players to practice their skills and compete against each other.
It was indeed very close competition, as two girls – Lea Treigute and Tifanija Bella Jakabsone scored equal amount of points sharing first place and had to play a match to decide who the winner is! All eyes turned on them as they fought for the champion title with no less fierceness than Ding and Gukesh in their match!
Finally it was Lea who claimed the championship and Tifanija took silver. Gabriela Surunova was 3rd and it is worth to point out that she is only 8 years old! Great success of all girls, congratulations!
We thank the organizers of the Riga Christmas Chess Festival and Latvian Chess Federation for their support and collaboration. As the FIDE Women’s Commission, we are proud to promote and support female chess players through events like Little Star Riga.
We also want to thank parents of the girls for bringing them to the event and inspiring them on daily basis to work hard. And most importantly – we thank the girls for their participation and a lovely atmosphere.
We hope you had a great weekend and we can’t wait to see what you achieve next – we hope we meet you again soon!
