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Velammal MHS School Leads at World Schools Team Championship 2025
Day 3 of the World Schools Team Championship was full of drama, excitement, and surprises. Two more rounds were played, and the race for the title got even more intense. India’s Velammal MHS School ended the day on top, holding their lead as the tournament heads into the final stage.
Big Clash on the Top Board
In Round 5, the top two seeds faced off — Kazakhstan’s National School of Physics and Mathematics vs Velammal MHS School. The first board ended in a draw, but the bottom two boards were the game changers. Both were won by the young Indian team, giving them a crucial victory in the fight for first place.
Sri Lanka Stuns Slovakia
Royal College, Colombo from Sri Lanka pulled off another shock win, this time against Slovakia’s Gymnázium, Grösslingová 18. The final score was 2.5–1.5. Most games ended in draws, but on board two, a 1620-rated Sri Lankan player defeated a 2016-rated opponent with a brilliant finish. This win put Sri Lanka in joint first place and set up a mouthwatering Round 6 battle against India.
India Dominates the Leaders’ Battle
The much-anticipated India vs Sri Lanka match in Round 6 ended in a commanding 3.5–0.5 victory for Velammal MHS School. Two wins and two draws sealed their position at the top of the standings going into the last rounds.
Fun Beyond the Chessboard
The championship isn’t just about serious chess. Players enjoy activities in the lounge with games, beanbags, and chill-out zones. Daily group activities include basketball, nature walks, and more.
Today’s highlight was a silent disco — music played through wireless headphones, creating a unique party vibe.
Players also visited the US Capitol, exploring local history and culture.
Looking Ahead
Rounds 7 and 8 take place tomorrow. With only one day left, the fight for the 2025 World Schools Team Championship title is at its peak.
Moment of the Day
In Round 5, Sri Lanka’s victory over Slovakia was already impressive — but the decisive game made it unforgettable.
Position: NF-DG01
White blundered with 26.Qd4??, and Black struck with 26…Qf3! (26…Nf3 was more precise, but the move was still deadly). White defended with 27.Nf4, but fell to 27…Nh3+! 28.Kh1 Nxf4 29.Rg1 Nxg2 30.Qb2 Nf4+, forcing resignation.
Smart Moves Summit – Day Two
Off the board, the Smart Moves Summit focused on chess in business, communication, and education. The day included TED-style talks, panels on sponsorships, and discussions on building sustainable school chess programs.
Experts also explored how social media, gaming, and online platforms are shaping chess promotion. Masterclasses covered inclusivity, fair play through data, and effective training methods.
Both the competition and the summit highlight how chess connects people worldwide — on and off the board.
Official website: worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/
Photos: Michal Walusza, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
