She Plays to Win Lionesses, an all-female chess team, defied expectations in the Four Nations Chess League (4NCL) opening weekend, showcasing their impressive skills after successive promotions to the top flight. Despite being anticipated to struggle, the team emerged as a surprise contender.

Initially planning to compete without male players for the 2026-27 season, SPTW faced a league rule requiring mixed-gender teams. In a strategic move, IM Lorin D’Costa, SPTW’s manager and England women’s coach, recruited GM Anish Giri, currently world No 11 and Netherlands No 1, for the opening fixtures.

In his first game, Giri dominated GM Alexander Cherniaev, winning in just 24 moves. Meanwhile, IM Eline Roebers, the Netherlands' top female player, also secured a victory, but SPTW ultimately lost to Barnet Knights with a close score of 4.5-3.5.

The following day, Giri continued his winning streak, leading SPTW to a decisive 6-2 victory against The Sharks 2. This strong performance positioned SPTW favorably in the league standings, despite the looming threat of relegation.

Looking ahead, Bodhana Sivanandan, the 11-year-old British women’s champion, is set to return after competing in the German Bundesliga. She aims to break the record for the youngest female IM at the upcoming European Chess Club Cup for Women in Budva, Montenegro.

Meanwhile, the US Championships are underway in Saint Louis, where Fabiano Caruana and Wesley So lead the pack. In a historic upset, Andy Woodward, a rising star at just 16, defeated Caruana, marking a significant moment in US chess history. The competition continues to highlight the disparity in prize funds between US and UK tournaments.