07/03/2026
PRESS RELEASE FRYSLÂN OPEN 2026
Kooistra seizes his chance in nerve-wracking tournament and earns shot at the World Title in Frisian Draughts
FRANEKER – The tension in the historic town hall of Franeker on Saturday was almost tangible. As the clock ticked and dozens of eyes were fixed on the boards, the decisive moment finally arrived: Taeke Kooistra crowned himself winner of the Grandmasters tournament and thereby secured the right to challenge for the World Title in Frisian draughts.
In a gripping battle between Kooistra and Kosobudzki, neither player was willing to concede an inch for a long time. The game seemed to be heading towards a balanced conclusion until Kooistra managed to construct a cunning trap. Kosobudzki fell into it, after which a breakthrough to king proved decisive. With that victory, Kooistra took a crucial step towards winning the tournament.
The game on the neighbouring board was equally intense. Foeke Tiemensma and Aleksej Domcev played a mirrored attacking structure, but in an extremely critical variation in which every move could tip the balance. Both players were forced to calculate to the very limit. In the end Domcev succumbed to the pressure: he ran out of time and had to concede the game.
As so often in this tournament, the final round had to bring the ultimate decision. In Kooistra’s game, an opening appeared on the board that had brought him considerable success in the 1980s and 1990s. Domcev proved unable to cope with this deep theoretical knowledge and was gradually outplayed.
Meanwhile, Tiemensma still had a chance to draw level. In a highly complex game, where a risky gambit was necessary to stay in contention, Kosobudzki remained remarkably composed. With excellent calculation he secured the win, but ultimately finished half a point short of catching Kooistra.
With this victory Taeke Kooistra wins the Grandmasters tournament for the second time – following his earlier triumph in 2016. As a result, he officially becomes the challenger in the forthcoming match for the World Title in Frisian draughts.
Exciting battle in the Masters group
There was also fierce competition in the Masters group. In the duel between Auke Zijlstra and Tjerk Wijbenga a central game developed in which Wijbenga came under heavy pressure after what initially appeared to be a logical move. In order to avoid tactical threats he was forced to play increasingly weaker positional moves, after which Zijlstra finished the game with a winning combination.
In the game between Haanstra and Westra the balance shifted when Haanstra missed an important exchange. Westra sensed his opportunity and created a threat that could no longer be neutralised. The decision followed shortly afterwards.
The final round, which began after five hours of play, produced more spectacle. Against Haanstra, Wijbenga became trapped with a cluster of pieces in the centre that could no longer be coordinated. Haanstra broke through to the king’s row with a beautiful combination, after which Wijbenga resigned.
On the neighbouring board Zijlstra seemed to hold the better chances for a long time after Westra was forced to sacrifice a piece. Yet the game turned completely around – remarkably during Westra’s own severe time pressure. Zijlstra lost concentration for a moment, allowing Westra to strike with a spectacular combination that yielded four pieces and a king in the final capture.
Final standings in the Masters group: Liuwe Westra and Henk Haanstra share first place, followed by Auke Zijlstra and Tjerk Wijbenga with one point each. All players also earned valuable Master points.
World Championship FRYSK! on Sunday
The draughts weekend in Franeker is far from over. On Sunday the same venue will host the ninth World Championship FRYSK!, the spectacular endgame variant of Frisian draughts.
The final qualification event was won by the Czech player Petra Duskova. In total seven players qualified for the World Championship, including three Italians: Paolo Faleo, Tomasso Lodato and Giovanni Martino. Also competing are Cameroonian top player Jean Marc Ndjofang, veteran Ties Slagter and a surprise participant – chess grandmaster Vasyl Ivanchuk, who has also proven himself a master of the Frisian endgame.
The World Championship will begin at 10:00 on Sunday in the old town hall of Franeker. The defending champion is local player Foeke Tiemensma. The question now is: can he retain his title, or will the draughts weekend produce yet another surprise?
