England’s success in senior events has been outstanding in recent years, but there are indications that the golden era, which was already challenged by US over-50 team victories in 2023 and 2024, may be undermined further by individuals and teams from Eastern Europe.
At the European individual 65+ championship in Lignano Sabbiadoro, on the Adriatic coast in northern Italy, the holder, GM John Nunn, was the strong favourite, but finished only sixth with 6.5/9. The grandmaster and eminent author from Bude in Cornwall was unbeaten, and his fourth-round win was in his vintage attacking style, but a run of four successive draws spoiled his chances.
