England's dominance in senior chess events has been remarkable in recent years, but signs suggest the golden era may be waning. Challenges from the US over-50 team in 2023 and 2024, along with emerging Eastern European talent, are threatening England's supremacy. At the European individual 65+ championship in Lignano Sabbiadoro, GM John Nunn, the reigning champion, finished sixth with 6.5/9, hindered by a series of draws after a strong start.
England's FM Terry Chapman, the 2022 European 65+ silver medallist, nearly secured another norm but was edged out on tie-breaks. Chapman, famous for his 2001 odds match against Garry Kasparov, remains a key player for England's senior teams. He is part of the over-65 squad aiming to retain their world title in Prague 2025.
Before that, Chapman will compete in the 2024 World 65+ individual championship in Porto Santos, Madeira. Notably, neither Nunn nor Michael Adams, the 50+ individual champion, will defend their titles.
The over-50 world team championship in Prague is set to be the senior equivalent of the chess Olympiad, featuring strong teams from the US, England, and Europe. England's 2022 victory, led by Michael Adams and Nigel Short, was narrow. The US reversed this in 2023, and in 2024, England took bronze behind the US and Italy.
For 2025, England's team sees changes, including GM Stuart Conquest on the second board. The US team, led by GM Vladimir Akopian, could be even stronger, posing a significant challenge to England's ambitions.
Despite the absence of key players like Nigel Short and Matthew Sadler, England remains a formidable force. Upcoming events include the XLX London Classic and the traditional Hastings Congress, showcasing competitive chess for all levels.
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