After ten thrilling days of competition, the World Senior Team Championship 2026 has concluded in Durrës, Albania..
In the final round, of the 50+ section USA 1 drew quickly on board 1 against Iceland, securing first place. The remainder of the podium was decided at the very last moment: Italy pressed hard against Norway Oslo on board 2 and ultimately won by 2.5–1.5. Despite catching up on match points with the leader, Italy finished behind the USA on tiebreaks (game points).
Kazakhstan swept Iceland Vestfirdir 4–0 to take bronze, while England 1 defeated the USA Women’s team by the same margin to finish fourth. Iceland and Hungary followed closely in the final standings.
Despite their loss in the final round, the USA Women retained first place in the women’s standings, ahead of Czech Republic Women and Kazakhstan Women.
In the 65+ category, things were much tighter going into the final round, with Germany – Lasker in 1st place on 13 team points and six teams were sharing 2nd–7th place and fighting for a spot on the podium.
In the end, Germany – Lasker prevailed over Slovakia (2.5–1.5) to claim the title with 15 team points. Italy secured silver by defeating England 2 (3–1). A four-way tie for third ensued, with Iceland clinching the bronze medal on tiebreaks after drawing their match against England 1.
Among women’s teams, the FIDE Women’s team held onto their lead with a final-round draw against Poland Amateurs 65, finishing as the top female squad. Germany Women and Latvia Women completed the podium.
Throughout the event, participants displayed exceptional fighting spirit, resilience, and sportsmanship – powerfully reaffirming that chess is a game for all ages.
Text and photos: WFM/IA Georgia Grapsa
Official website: https://wstcc.com/