GM Bojan Maksimović emerged victorious at the 20th Serbian Individual Chess Championship, claiming his maiden national title.
The 20th Serbian Individual Chess Championship, a 10-player round-robin, took place in Senta from 13-21 June. For the first time in the history of the open section, the 2026 edition featured a female participant – national team player Sofia Pogorelskikh.
Maksimović made a flying start, winning three consecutive games to seize the lead – a position he never relinquished. He secured the title with a round to spare, totaling 6.5/9.
“Before the start of the championship, I was hoping for one of the top three places, although I wasn’t sure about my form. However, it turned out that I was in good shape. Although the tournament was long and demanding, with many difficult games, I capitalized on my opponents’ mistakes, and in the end everything worked out as it should,” Maksimović said after his victory.
IM Stefan Tadić finished half a point behind the champion and claimed silver, while GM Mihail Brjakin took bronze with 5.5/9.
2026 Serbian Chess Championship – Final Standings
The top three players also earned the right to participate in the next Individual Championship of Serbia. Trophies and medals were presented to the winners by Goran Vlajković, Vice President of the Chess Federation of Serbia.
Photos: Šahovski savez Srbije