The 2025 World Seniors Team Chess Championship in Prague is entering its final stages. With just three rounds to go, both the 50+ and 65+ competitions remain wide open, setting the stage for an exciting finish.
After six rounds in the 50+ section four teams–England 1, USA, Slovakia and Italy– share the lead on 10/12 points with England 1 holding the top spot due to a greater number of points. Round 7 will feature key matchups between the leaders, as USA faces Italy while Slovakia takes on England 1.
In the women’s standings, China leads with 8/12 points, closely followed by Czech Women and the USA.
In the 65+ category, England 1 leads with 11/12 points, having won five matches and drawn just one against Lasker Schachstiftung GK, which trails by a single point on 10/12.
Five teams—France, England 2, Israel, Hungary, and Norge – OSS—are tied for third place.
Round 7 will see England 1 tested by France, while Lasker Schachstiftung GK faces Norge – OSS, and England 2 plays Israel.
The tournament has already produced many remarkable encounters, with the best game of each round being awarded a special prize. GM Lexy Ortega from Italy won the first-round award (a small chess horse), followed by English GM Michael Adams, Swedish IM Nils-Gustaf Renman, Dutch FM Prakken Gerrit and Moshe Gal of Israel (pictured below).
On the rest day, February 22, participants had the opportunity to take a guided tour of Prague, the stunning capital of the Czech Republic. Additionally, a blitz tournament was held, with Jaan Ehlvest emerging as the winner.
Photos: Ave Chess