Once again this year, Novi Pazar was the center of regional backgammon (tavla), hosting the traditional Novi Pazar Open, one of the most significant tournaments in this part of Europe. Over the course of three days, this prestigious event gathered 66 players from Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Norway, and Turkey.
Set in the recognizable and hospitable atmosphere of Novi Pazar, the event once again proved that backgammon is not merely a game of luck, but above all, a game of skill, patience, and making critical decisions at the right moment.
Abaz Omeragić Wins the Main Tournament
The Main Tournament title was claimed by Abaz Omeragić from Donji Vakuf, a member of the “Vatrogasac” tavla club, who demonstrated exceptional stability and game control throughout the entire tournament.
In the final, he defeated the local favorite Erduan Jablaničanin, a player who had reached the final stage with a perfect record in the group phase (6 wins, 0 losses). However, in the deciding match, fine margins made the difference, and Omeragić emerged victorious.
Third place went to Zvezdan Klajić from Belgrade, while Olga Sladkarova from Bulgaria finished fourth.
A Tournament That Grows Year After Year
Although the number of participants varies from year to year, the overall impression is unanimous: the quality of the tournament is constantly rising. While events are multiplying across the region and competition is getting fiercer, Novi Pazar successfully maintains its position on the map of the most important backgammon tournaments in the Balkans.
The organization of the tournament was supported by the City of Novi Pazar, the local sports alliance, and the clubs “Pazar Gammon” and “501 Dedo.” The entire event also carried a broader significance—serving as a meeting point for tradition, sportsmanship, and long-standing friendships among players.
Jackpot and Doubles – Additional Excitement
In addition to the Main Tournament, side events brought further excitement:
- The Jackpot Tournament was won by Dejan Domazet from Belgrade.
- The Doubles Tournament was claimed by the duo of Omeragić – Sladkarova.
- Among the most successful doubles pairings were also Lazarevski–Perović and Džihan–Kostova.
These formats further contributed to the dynamic and attractive nature of the entire event.
Backgammon as a Game That Unites People
One of the finest impressions from the tournament came from the participants themselves—many emphasized that they felt right at home in Novi Pazar. It is precisely this combination of high-level competition and a friendly atmosphere that makes this tournament truly special.
Announcing the Jubilee – Novi Pazar Open 2027
Anticipation is already building for the next, milestone edition—the 25th Novi Pazar Open, which promises to be the largest and highest-quality to date.
It is important to note that the Main Tournament was once again scored for the Serbian National Backgammon Championship, further confirming its importance and place in the domestic competitive calendar.
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