Pula Dominates in Split: Franc Champion, Kvaternik Runner-Up
Borna Franc and Ema Kvaternik led an outstanding performance by ŠK Pula at the 35th Croatian Junior Championship, securing gold and silver in the under-19 category.
Borna Franc and Ema Kvaternik led an outstanding performance by ŠK Pula at the 35th Croatian Junior Championship, securing gold and silver in the under-19 category.
At the 35th Croatian Junior Championship, held in Split from July 30 to August 5, 2026, chess players from Pula's ŠK Pula achieved a series of notable results. The absolute highlights were the titles won by Borna Franc and Ema Kvaternik, who both excelled in their categories without suffering a single defeat.
Borna Franc is the new Croatian junior champion in the under-19 category. He secured the title with exceptionally composed play across all nine rounds, recording five wins and four draws. With a total of 7 points, Franc kept the outcome uncertain until the very end, but his consistency in the final stretch earned him the winner's trophy. His performance is particularly distinguished by the fact that he did not lose a single game throughout the tournament.
Ema Kvaternik's performance in the under-19 girls' category was equally impressive. She also finished the tournament without a single loss, securing second place and the title of junior vice-champion. Although the champion in her category won nearly all her games, Ema was the only competitor she failed to defeat.
In addition to these two medals, ŠK Pula had three other representatives at the championship. In the same under-19 category, David Mandalinić finished in a strong 7th place, while Lovro Mucić ended his campaign in 26th position. In the younger under-17 category, Juraj Kvaternik placed 58th.
These excellent results are a testament to the quality work at ŠK Pula, a club that dates back to November 20, 1949. Since 1988, they have also organized the international tournament "Pula Open." The club emphasizes that their main goal, through their chess school open to all ages, is to promote ethical values, tolerance, and responsibility through engagement with this "royal game."
