International checkers grand master Ion Dosca was met with brass music and laurel wreaths upon his return from the World Seniors Championship in Eupatoria, where he became champion, Info-Prim Neo reports. Ion Dosca stated he is used to top places, but is happy to have won this title. He says he felt good at the competition and had no difficulties. Ion Dosca plans to participate in the European Championship in draughts-64 that will take place in a month in Russia and the tournament in Ukraine was for him like a preparation session. He hopes to bring home a European medal. Anatol Plugaru, former president of the Moldovan Checkers Federation said that Ion Dosca was a great sportsman who is considered abroad one of the best checkers players in history. “We have prepared a laurel wreath for our champion, as a true winner deserves”, said Plugaru. Former Prime Minister Ion Ciubuc was among those who met the sportsman. He praised Ion Dosca as one the Moldovans that can make Moldova famous worldwide. “We cannot but be proud of him and I hope new generations will follow Dosca’s example”, said the former head of the Executive. Doctor Constantin Turcanu also came to the railway station to meet the world champion at checkers. “He is the pride of our people. He sets an example for us to be like him. Regardless of difficulties, we must prove that our country has gifted people and Ion Dosca is an example to follow”, said Constantin Turcanu. Ion Dosca is the best rated Moldovan checkers player. He is a double USSR Cup winner (1980 and 1990), USSR Champion, Russian version (1991), medal winner at World Championships, universal version (1993, 1996-97, 2004), World Champion, universal version (1999), U.S. Champion, pool-checkers version (2000). He also won 14 National Champion titles, Russian version.