CroatiaFor the last 10 years, if one had to decide who is Croatia’s most promising junior chess player, there is a high chance one would mention the name of the International Master Jadranko Plenča. He is, together with Leon Livaić and Sven Tica, the epitome of the “young Croatian talent” and the third member of the “holy trinity” that dominated youth competitions in Croatia (and not only in Croatia).
Jadranko learned the game of chess at the age of 8. Even though his grandfather who is a huge chess lover played an important role, it is debatable whether Jadranko’s career would come to be were it not for his brother Julian Plenča, a highly talented player and an International Master himself, who was Jadranko’s first chess coach and mentor.
From his youngest days, Jadranko’s talent for the game was apparent. His ascent was swift and consistent and in October 2014, he became the youngest Fidemaster in Croatian history at the age of 14. Ever since he never dropped below the 2300 rating barrier and continued improving in the subsequent years. At the age of 17, he also became the youngest International Master in the Croatian history – a record that was later broken by none other but his Croatia Bulldogs teammate Leon Livaić.
During this period, Jadranko achieved some of his greatest chess success, out of which the silver medal at the European Individual Youth Championship 2017 and the team gold medal at the Mitropa Cup 2017. To his rich biography, he has also added the title of the European Youth Rapid Champion in 2017, numerous victories in weekend blitz tournaments all over Croatia and successful participation in strong Open tournaments.
Today, Jadranko has one Grandmaster norm. Even though his current rating of 2458 is lower than his peak rating of 2497, the fact that he was once devilishly close to the magical 2500 rating barrier combined with his rather young age still means there will be plenty of opportunities to make a push for the desired GM title.
Jadranko joined Croatia Bulldogs just before the Pro Chess League 2020 Qualifier. His good performance (4.5/8) and two draws against a heavy favorite Eltaj Safarli, played a crucial role in securing the qualifying spot for the Croatian team and we do believe he will be as successful during the regular season of the Pro Chess League 2020.
