Senior teams

England teams brought home a raft of medals from the European Senior Teams Championship, held last month in Swidnica, Poland. England’s first team were top seeds in the over-50s event, with an all-grandmaster lineup (Mark Hebden, John Emms, Keith Arkell, Glenn Flear and Chris Ward). They faced a serious challenge from Slovakia, whom they defeated in the final round by 2.5-1.5. Mark Hebden was the standout performer, winning the individual gold medal on top board with a 7.5/8 score. His game against Jonathan Hill, from England’s third team, had a neat finish.

Jonathan Hill–Mark Hebden

European Senior (50+) Team Championship

In the diagram position, capturing the rook on Rc2 would allow the a7 pawn to promote. Instead, Hebden sowed confusion with 52… e2. After 53 Rxe2 Ra1+ 54 Kg2 Bc5 secures a draw since the a7-pawn drops off, while 53 Rxa2 e1=Q+ 54 Kh2 f4! yields at least a draw by perpetual check. The move played in the game is a winning attempt which backfires. 53 Kf2 Rxc2 54 a8=Q Bc5+ 55 Kf3 Evidently, White was counting on the fact that 55…e1=Q 56 Qh8 is mate. But Hebden has one final ace to play. e1=N+ 56 Kf4 Nd3+ 57 Kf3 Rf2 mate

England also began the over-65s event as top seeds, led by John Nunn, the reigning world senior champion. His 6.5/8 score won the individual gold medal on top board, and Chris Baker’s 4.5/6 on board 4 (including the game below) earned another individual gold. But the team had to settle for silver behind a strong Slovakian team who won all nine matches and didn’t suffer a single individual defeat in 36 games.

Matthias Kierzek–Chris Baker

European Senior (65+) Team Championship

At first glance, Black’s position looks hopeless – two pawns down, and facing an imminent h2-h3 to kick the knight back to h6, where the bishop capture would inflict further damage.