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.