SPTW girls test French women’s champion

Sunday 3rd December 2023 saw 25 UK girls take on 6 time French women’s champion, IM Sophie Milliet, in West London.

The girls tested Sophie, with 7 year old Charlotte from London lasting the longest, a 4.5 hour battle!

Congratulations to teenager Leela-Maya, also from London, who was the only person to make a draw against Sophie. Leela survived a treacherous position early on to hold a very credible draw in a knight endgame.

6 best game medals were handed out, including Anushka from Essex, the SPTW online Grand Prix winner this term, who has Sophie on the ropes early on.

Sophie commented that she had faced a tough test and that we have many promising girls in the UK. SPTW hopes that these girls have been inspired in their battle with Sophie, who is a full time professional chess player, and harbour chess ambitions of their own in the future.

Thanks to Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls for hosting the event, where a local Ealing junior tournament was also held with 50-50 participation boys and girls. Maria from London was the top scoring girl in the event with 4 wins from her 5 games, and taking home the top girl trophy.

Well done to all the girls on an enjoyable day!