FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CCL’s Mehmet Yilanli Wins Blitz Gold Medal at 2025 FIDE World Cadet Chess Championships
Columbus, OH – October 8, 2025
CCL Chess proudly announces that Mehmet Yilanli, an eight-year-old chess prodigy from New Albany, Ohio, has won the U8 Blitz Gold Medal at the 2025 FIDE World Cadet Chess Championships. Mehmet represented Team USA as the official U8 delegate, distinguishing himself as one of the world’s brightest young chess players.
The prestigious championship, held from September 18 to October 1, 2025, gathered 842 young competitors from 88 countries across six age and gender categories. Mehmet stood out as the only U8 player representing the United States in this global event.
A Rising Star in Classical and Blitz Chess
Mehmet qualified for the World Cadet Championships through his US Chess rating, earning the official spot to represent the nation. In the classical format played under FIDE’s 90-minute time control with a 30-second increment, he entered as the 8th seed among 150 players worldwide.
After an impressive start, Mehmet scored 7 points in his first 8 rounds, remaining undefeated and co-leading the tournament. Despite a narrow loss to the top seed in Round 9, he finished with a strong 8/11 final score, placing 6th overall. His only two defeats were against the eventual top two finishers, marking one of the finest performances by an American in the U8 division.
This is the second-best result in CCL Chess history at the World Cadet / World Youth level, following Chris Shen’s bronze medal in the U8 classical games at the 2012 FIDE World Youth Chess Championships in Maribor, Slovenia.
In the Blitz Championship, held midway through the event, Mehmet faced 371 players in a single-day, 11-round competition that included grandmasters and international masters. After six hours of fast-paced play, Mehmet achieved 57th place overall and 1st place in the U8 category, earning a gold medal and €100 prize. His triumph marked the first gold medal in a world-level blitz event in CCL Chess history.
A Legacy of Excellence
The FIDE World Cadet Chess Championships is recognized as one of the most prestigious youth chess events in the world, featuring separate open and girls’ sections for ages U8, U10, and U12. Team USA finished with one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal in the classical games, ranking third overall among 88 countries and federations.
Since 2007, CCL Chess has educated top-tier youth talent who go on to represent the United States in global competition. Mehmet’s achievement exemplifies CCL’s tradition of developing not only skilled competitors but also confident, disciplined thinkers who embody the spirit of excellence.
“Mehmet’s success is a reflection of his hard work, passion, and the supportive community that surrounds him,” said Jeff Shen, director of CCL Chess. “He has made new history for our program and inspired countless young players to dream big.”
About CCL Chess
Founded in 2007, CCL Chess is a premier training organization dedicated to nurturing young chess talents across the United States. With the legacy of national champions and international medalists, CCL Chess continues to shape the next generation of chess leaders through expert coaching, mentorship, and a culture of excellence.
Media Contact:
CCL Chess
Email: 614chessTD@gmail.com
