After a challenging opening round, the team responds with a strong win over Wales and a hard-fought draw against France as they settle into the tournament in Durrës.
Durrës, Albania (27 April 2026) – Chess South Africa has been steadily finding its rhythm at the FIDE World Senior Team Championships 2026 in Durrës, with a mix of tough lessons and encouraging results along the way.
After arriving and settling in following a tight travel turnaround, the team opened their campaign in the 50+ section against England’s second side. It proved to be a challenging start, with South Africa going down 4–0 in the opening round.
They responded well in round two, holding France to a 2–2 draw in a much-improved team performance. Anton Goosen secured the team’s first win of the tournament with a bold and tactical display, while Andre Schutte and Lyndon Bouah added steady draws to keep things level.
Building on that momentum, South Africa delivered one of their standout results in round five, beating Wales 3.5–0.5 in a strong all-round team effort. Goosen once again impressed with a composed win, while Shabir Bawoodien showed persistence to secure a crucial point. Schutte continued his good run of form with another victory, and Bouah added a solid draw on the top board.
There were also testing moments, including a match against a strong United States women’s team, where South Africa went down despite a determined fight. Schutte provided a highlight with a hard-earned win, while Bawoodien secured a resilient draw.
Across the tournament, the team has shown steady progress, adjusting to the level of international competition and building confidence with each round.
Beyond the results, the experience has also offered valuable insight into the demands of international chess, from preparation and focus to managing the pressures of tournament play.
As the competition continues, the focus remains on consistency and making the most of every opportunity at the board.
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