The World Schools Team Championship in Alexandria continued with great momentum today, as two more rounds were completed. The intensity of the competition is growing, with three teams – Kazakhstan’s National School of Physics and Mathematics, India’s Velammal MHS School, and Sri Lanka’s Royal College, Colombo still leading the standings on a perfect score. As the tournament progresses, the atmosphere on and off the board continues to reflect not just the fierce competitive spirit, but also the unique camaraderie that makes this event so special.
Shortly before 10:00, the playing hall was alive with anticipation. Students filled the space, eager to begin their games. Some had started the day with a walk around the scenic grounds of Episcopal High School, enjoying another bright and sunny morning. Others spent time in the vibrant players’ lounge, where activities like air hockey, table tennis, and, naturally, casual games of chess offered a fun way to relax before the serious matches began. Despite their different routines, the shared feeling among all the participants was one of excitement and good spirits as they returned to the boards.
One of the core messages of this championship is “friendship” – the kind that transcends borders and is often born through shared love for chess. This sentiment came to life today in touching ways, as players exchanged thoughtful gifts from their home countries with their opponents. From decorative trinkets to fridge magnets, these simple gestures spoke volumes about the bonds being formed. It is clear that, beyond the chessboard, meaningful connections are being made here at the World Schools Team Championship.
On the competitive front, the battles are intensifying. The tournament favourite, the National School of Physics and Mathematics, has delivered a commanding performance so far, with each board maintaining a perfect score and no points dropped. Not far behind, India’s Velammal MHS School is also showcasing remarkable consistency, having conceded just a point and a half (three draws) across all rounds. Their strategy of placing lower-rated players on the top boards continues to spark intrigue.
Among today’s standout performances was Sri Lanka’s Royal College, Colombo. The team made waves in the third round by stunning the 8th-seeded English side, Hampton School, with a resounding 4-0 victory. In the fourth round, they faced the third seed, University High School, and dominated the match 3:1 continuing their impressive journey on this global stage.
Moment of the Day
The moment of the day comes from the Round 3 match between Velammal MHS School and US The Harker School on board 2 where IM Arun Daakshin delivered a crushing final move in this position, which was met with an immediate resignation by Black.
The move is 24.Qxf6!! The squares around the black king are completely dominated by White. If 24…Kxf6 then 25.Be5# game over.
Looking ahead, tomorrow’s pairings promise exciting matchups as the Swiss system begins pitting the top teams against one another. With the leaderboard tightening, the battle for the championship title is about to enter a thrilling phase.
Top 10 after Round 4
Smart Moves Summit
Parallel to the chess battles, the Smart Moves Summit kicked off today – a two-day conference spotlighting the powerful role chess can play in shaping education. With 15 scheduled topics, the summit brings together thought leaders, educators, and policymakers to explore chess as a tool for leadership, inclusion, and innovation.
The day began with an official opening ceremony and flowed into panels that addressed various themes, from global leadership in chess education and its integration in early childhood learning, to increasing inclusivity and leveraging AI in educational technology. The day concluded with a thought-provoking session on methodology, policy development, and public sector collaboration. Alongside the panels, two masterclasses provided hands-on insight into using chess for cognitive development in early learners and the dynamics of strategic gameplay.
The second and final day of the Smart Moves Summit will take place tomorrow, August 5, alongside rounds 5 and 6 of the championship. As the tournament heats up and the summit continues, Alexandria remains the center of both high-level chess and meaningful dialogue about the game’s future in education.
Written by: Charlize van Zyl
Photos: Michal Walusza
Official website: worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/