Lisa Scholtens defies favorite Tkachenko at NK Dammen

The 39-year-old Tkachenko, who has fled from Ukraine and has been living in Wageningen for over a year now, is participating in the tournament at the invitation of the drafts association. However, her impressive honors list with four world and two European titles does not yield any bonus points and mainly serves as a source of inspiration for her opponents.

Although Tkachenko has already won three times in velvet style, the overall victory is certainly not an imposed pander, as witnessed by a missed opportunity for an open goal against four-time national champion Vitalia Doumesh. Remarkable was also the fearless counterplay of debutane Yulia Bintsarovska from Kampen, who did not give way and kept her great opponent in a draw.

Don’t be afraid of the devil

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Lisa Scholtens emerges as Tkachenko’s most dangerous competitor. She is not afraid of the devil, is skilled in drafts and has a nose for the right tactics. Moreover, she knows about mittens in dubious positions, such as yesterday against the experienced Jacqueline Schouten, in which Scholtens actually booked her third victory with some creative tricks.

On Thursday morning, Tkachenko and Scholtens meet in the morning round. Whoever wins becomes champion, that much is certain. Two points behind the duo, the teenagers Luise Gabbert (17), Fleur Kruysmulder (16) and the only 14-year-old Bintsarovska still have every chance of a top ranking.

At the bottom, Elise Schouten (16) from Hoogeveen, who has been promoted from the B group, fights for what she is worth. In addition to various encouraging pats on the back, she has so far had to make do with a nice draw against Fleur Kruysmulder in the opening round. But she keeps her spirits up, like the one dreamdamster befitting.