The European Senior Team Chess Championship 2026 wrapped up yesterday in Hersonissos, Crete, with England and Slovenia taking the top team honors.
Highlights of the Championship
Staged at the Hotel Royal Belvedere from August 26 to September 5, the event gathered 32 teams and about 150 players across two age groups, 50+ and 65+. Both tournaments were nine-round Swiss events played at classical time controls.
England 1 dominated the 50+ competition with 17 match points, achieved through eight wins and one draw. Italy finished second on 16 match points. The Netherlands and Slovakia ended level on 13; the Netherlands secured bronze on tiebreak, leaving Slovakia in fourth.
In the 65+ field, Slovenia and England 1 both reached 16 match points. Tiebreaks put Slovenia on top for gold, while England 1 took silver. Italy completed the podium with 15 match points.
England’s women’s squad, competing in the 50+ category, captured the European Women’s Senior Team title, a significant achievement for the team.
Board prizes were awarded in each section:
- 50+ section: Board 1—Michele Godena (ITA), Lubomir Ftacnik (SVK), Stuart Conquest (ENG); Board 2—Daniel Gormally (ENG), Alberto David (ITA), Mark Van Der Werf (NED); Board 3—Fabrizio Bellia (ITA), Mark Hebden (ENG), Martin Martens (NED); Board 4—John Emms (ENG), Carlo D’Amore (ITA), Claudiu Andrei Zetocha (SVK); Board 5—Graeme Buckley (ENG), Clive Frostick (ENG), Giulio Borgo (ITA).
- 65+ section: Board 1—Carlos Horacio Garcia Palermo (ITA), John Nunn (ENG), Alexander Beliavsky (SLO); Board 2—Lexy Ortega (ITA), Anthony Kosten (ENG), Paul Townsend (ENG); Board 3—Leon Mazi (SLO), Markky Henttinen (FIN), Mario Sibilio (ITA); Board 4—Vojko Mencinger (SLO), Ivano Ceschia (ITA), Edgar Wilson (ENG); Board 5—Peter Large (ENG), Olivier Tassi (ITA), Mats Lindgren (SWE).
The closing ceremony featured officials from the European Chess Union and representatives of the Municipality of Hersonissos, who presented medals to the winners and top finishers. This championship not only showcased the skill and dedication of senior chess players but also fostered a sense of community and sportsmanship among participants from various countries.