The UK Chess Challenge Terafinal returned to Blenheim Palace for the 2026 edition. More than 10,000 children competed in the earlier rounds with just 60 finalists remaining: 12 in each of five age categories. Five current and two former Chess Rising Stars students qualified, which is a new record for us.
Yuk Hei secured his place in the U14s at the last minute, winning the Challengers in Peterborough on tie-break after scoring 7/9. Below, WFM Sarah Longson presents his trophy and invitation to the Terafinal.
Few junior tournaments can rival the setting of the Terafinal. Blenheim Palace provides a fittingly regal backdrop for the royal game! Coach Chris visited our students over the weekend to offer his encouragement. He soon realised that the parents and coaches were, if anything, more nervous than the children.
In an attempt to settle their nerves, Chris joined Aden’s dad for a walk across the palace grounds to the aptly named Column of Victory, a 41-metre monument to the Duke of Marlborough, completed in 1731. Suitably impressed, they managed to resist checking the live boards for nearly an hour!
The format was demanding, 11 rounds of rapid across the weekend in a round-robin. The high standard of preparation was evident from the first round, with many players trying a variety of fresh opening lines.
Aden finished a fantastic 2nd place in the U12 category with 9/11, matched by Martin who also finished 2nd with 9/11 in the U8s. Our other students also enjoyed notable victories and came close to further successes, gaining valuable experience to build on in future tournaments.
Many congratulations to our current students Yuk Hei, Aden, Jorge, Martin and Tristan. Reaching the Terafinal was outstanding and we are excited to see how they continue to develop as players.
CRS student, Noah, with his U12 Boys trophy at the 2024 EJCOA Finals
LJCC U14 Major Winner
Chess Rising Stars Representing the National Chess Junior Squad in Frydek-Mistek
