Unexpected Championship in the Masters Cup
After winning the Longgammon Masters Cup championship title, Dmitry Nikitin described his feelings as indescribable. In remarks published in the official journal of the International Backgammon Federation, he noted that in his previous tournament in Tashkent, he had won the Longgammon Blitz championship. This time, however, not even he expected to become the Masters Cup champion.
Pointing to the strength of his opponents, Nikitin stated that the level of competition was very high and that he needed a bit of luck on the way to the title. His comments paint a picture of a tough competition in which both player preparation and match conditions can play a role in the final outcome.
His Wife's Support: A Lasting Memory of the Championship
For Nikitin, one of the most special parts of this experience was his wife's presence in Tbilisi. She had traveled to the city to attend the tournament and supported Nikitin throughout the competition.
This support took on special significance in the final. Nikitin shared that his wife was cheering him on during the final match and was so deeply moved that she nearly shed tears. Alongside the championship title itself, this moment became one of his most cherished memories from the tournament.
Dedicating the Championship to Family
Nikitin dedicated this victory to three of the most important members of his family: his mother, his wife, and his daughter. This choice shows that family holds a special place in his narrative of sporting success.
Although winning an international competition is the result of a player's performance over the board, Nikitin's remarks also emphasize the role of emotional support from loved ones. His wife's presence at the venue and her encouragement during the final were part of the experience that made this championship even more special for Nikitin.
Dmitry Nikitin in the History of the Longgammon World Championship
According to his profile in the IBF Journal, Dmitry Nikitin is from Russia and was 53 years old at the time of the journal's publication. He won the Longgammon Masters Cup title at the inaugural Longgammon World Championship.
Nikitin had previously won the Longgammon Blitz division in Tashkent. His new championship title in the Masters Cup marked another success in his international competitive career. However, what stands out in his personal account is not just the match result, but also his surprise at the victory and the support of his wife and family.