At just 9 years old, Eliza-Ioana Bădescu won the title of European U10 rapid chess champion, scoring 7.5 points from 9 rounds in Thessaloniki.

Eliza-Ioana Bădescu impressed at the Thessaloniki rapid chess tournament, becoming European champion in the U10 category with an excellent 7.5 points from 9 rounds. At just 9 years of age, she showed tactical precision and composure, going from outsider to champion. This success joins Romania's other recent chess achievements, highlighting a promising generation and a growing network of clubs and coaches supporting the development of the sport. The President of the Romanian Chess Federation, Vlad Ardeleanu, emphasizes that these performances point to Romania's rise on the European chess scene.