Competition in motion: The next phase of World School Chess Championship Unfolds
The clock is ticking, the intensity is rising and the excitement is at an all-time high. After four exhilarating rounds, we’re now entering the fifth and sixth rounds!
Every move, every strategy, and every decision carries the weight of the championship. The excitement is felt among the players, but they are also ready to take on the challenge.
All eyes in Round 5 turned to the top board, where a clash between the first and second seeds took centre stage. Kazakhstan’s National School of Physics and Mathematics faced off against Velammal MHS School in a match that lived up to the hype. With board one ending in a draw, it was the bottom two boards that made the difference; both claimed by the young Indian team, securing them a critical victory in the fight for first place.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Royal College, Colombo continued their amazing run with another upset, this time against Slovakia’s Gymnázium, Grösslingová 18, Bratislava. The final score was 2.5-1.5, with all boards drawing except for board two, where the 1620-rated Sri Lankan player stunned his much higher-rated opponent (rated 2016) with a beautifully played finish. This victory propelled Sri Lanka into joint lead, setting up a highly anticipated Round 6 showdown against India with both teams entering the match on perfect scores.
In this top-of-the-table encounter, Team India proved too strong, claiming a convincing 3.5-0.5 victory over Team Sri Lanka with two wins and two draws. The result solidified India’s position at the top of the standings heading into the final rounds.
Away from the competition tables, the tournament continues to offer a wide range of activities designed to create a fun and social atmosphere for the players. As mentioned in previous updates, the players lounge remains a popular hangout, with its mix of games, beanbags, and chill-out zones. But the fun doesn’t stop there - each day wraps up with group activities, from basketball to nature walks, there are a lot of options for the kids to enjoy and socialize with each other.
Today’s end of the day activity included a swanky silent disco - which, if you are older and haven’t heard of or experienced before yet (like me!) it is a party setting where music is played through individual headphones for every person. A wonderful setting for fun and to make new friends! Earlier in the day, and also ahead of the championship, players were treated to an excursion to the US Capitol, offering them the chance to take in some local history and culture.
Tomorrow marks the seventh and eighth rounds of the tournament. With tensions mounting and only one day left to play, the stage is set for an exciting finale that will determine the 2025 World Schools Team Champions.
The result from round 5 with Sri Lanka’s Royal College beating the higher seed Slovakia’s Gymnázium, Grösslingová with a critical victory, is an incredible result in itself. However, making that even better, is the way the game finished:
Every move, every strategy, and every decision carries the weight of the championship. The excitement is felt among the players, but they are also ready to take on the challenge.
All eyes in Round 5 turned to the top board, where a clash between the first and second seeds took centre stage. Kazakhstan’s National School of Physics and Mathematics faced off against Velammal MHS School in a match that lived up to the hype. With board one ending in a draw, it was the bottom two boards that made the difference; both claimed by the young Indian team, securing them a critical victory in the fight for first place.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Royal College, Colombo continued their amazing run with another upset, this time against Slovakia’s Gymnázium, Grösslingová 18, Bratislava. The final score was 2.5-1.5, with all boards drawing except for board two, where the 1620-rated Sri Lankan player stunned his much higher-rated opponent (rated 2016) with a beautifully played finish. This victory propelled Sri Lanka into joint lead, setting up a highly anticipated Round 6 showdown against India with both teams entering the match on perfect scores.
In this top-of-the-table encounter, Team India proved too strong, claiming a convincing 3.5-0.5 victory over Team Sri Lanka with two wins and two draws. The result solidified India’s position at the top of the standings heading into the final rounds.
Away from the competition tables, the tournament continues to offer a wide range of activities designed to create a fun and social atmosphere for the players. As mentioned in previous updates, the players lounge remains a popular hangout, with its mix of games, beanbags, and chill-out zones. But the fun doesn’t stop there - each day wraps up with group activities, from basketball to nature walks, there are a lot of options for the kids to enjoy and socialize with each other.
Today’s end of the day activity included a swanky silent disco - which, if you are older and haven’t heard of or experienced before yet (like me!) it is a party setting where music is played through individual headphones for every person. A wonderful setting for fun and to make new friends! Earlier in the day, and also ahead of the championship, players were treated to an excursion to the US Capitol, offering them the chance to take in some local history and culture.
Tomorrow marks the seventh and eighth rounds of the tournament. With tensions mounting and only one day left to play, the stage is set for an exciting finale that will determine the 2025 World Schools Team Champions.
The result from round 5 with Sri Lanka’s Royal College beating the higher seed Slovakia’s Gymnázium, Grösslingová with a critical victory, is an incredible result in itself. However, making that even better, is the way the game finished:
White just blundered with 26.Qd4?? And suddenly the white king was in grave danger. Black pounced with 26…Qf3! (26…Nf3 was more accurate, but the played move was still pretty). White responded with 27.Nf4 defending on g2 27…Nh3+! 28.Kh1 Nxf4 29.Rg1 Nxg2 and White resigned.
In the vibrant setting of Washington, D.C., the World School Team Championship has been unfolding in all its brilliance. With the first two rounds setting the stage, and the next two testing the skills and determination of these young chess prodigies, the tournament has reached an electrifying point.
Every move could tip the scales, and the drama continues to unfold. The game is on, and we’re just getting started!
Who will rise to the top? Champions will be announced very soon!
In the vibrant setting of Washington, D.C., the World School Team Championship has been unfolding in all its brilliance. With the first two rounds setting the stage, and the next two testing the skills and determination of these young chess prodigies, the tournament has reached an electrifying point.
Every move could tip the scales, and the drama continues to unfold. The game is on, and we’re just getting started!
Who will rise to the top? Champions will be announced very soon!
