England's senior chess teams have failed to win a medal at the World Senior Team Championships for the first time in five years, ending a remarkable run of podium finishes. The competition, held in Krakow, Poland, saw the English teams in the 50-plus and 65-plus categories fall short of the top three places.
End of an Era for English Chess
The English 50-plus team, which had won gold in 2023 and silver in 2024, finished fourth this year. The 65-plus team, which had claimed bronze in 2024, also placed fourth. The 50-plus team was led by Grandmaster John Emms, who expressed disappointment but praised the team's effort. 'We gave it our all, but the competition was incredibly strong this year,' Emms said.
Strong Competition from Europe
Teams from Germany, Poland, and the United States dominated the medal standings. The German 50-plus team took gold, while Poland and the US secured silver and bronze respectively. In the 65-plus category, the US won gold, followed by Germany and Poland. England's fourth-place finishes were the closest they have come to the podium without securing a medal.
England's senior teams have been a powerhouse in recent years, with multiple gold medals in both age categories. The last time England failed to win a medal was in 2021, when the championships were held online due to the pandemic. The English Chess Federation (ECF) acknowledged the achievement of maintaining such a high standard over the years.
'It's disappointing not to bring home a medal, but we are proud of our players' performances,' said an ECF spokesperson. 'We will analyze the results and come back stronger next year.' The championships featured over 50 teams from around the world, making it one of the most competitive editions in history.
Despite the setback, English chess continues to thrive at the grassroots level, with record participation in junior and senior events. The ECF is already planning for next year's championships, which will be held in Budapest, Hungary.
