Women’s World Champion gives simul to SPTW girls in London!

Sunday 8th May saw the 2004 Women’s World Champion, Antoaneta Stefanova, come to London to give a simultaneous exhibition against 29 selected girls representing She Plays To Win.

Antoaneta flew in from Sofia, Bulgaria, to take on the SPTW girls. These girls included England junior internationals, county players and underrated junior stars who took on the former champion.

In the end, after 4.5 hours play, Antoaneta prevailed by 28.5-0.5, with 14 year old Emily Maton making a fantastic draw in her game.

Antoaneta remarked to SPTW Founder Lorin D’Costa afterwards how she was impressed by the level of the girls she had faced, and how many of her games were extremely tough. Certainly 12 year old Michelle and 10 year old Ruqqayah can count themselves unlucky not to have got at least a draw in their games, plus 7 year old Anna also had the former champ in some trouble during her game.

Lots of fun was had, as well as the girls gaining a fantastic experience. The hope is these girls will now be inspired to further their chess, and maybe even one day become World Champion themselves like Ms Stefanova!

Thumbnail photo shows 7 year old Liana from London in full focus during her match.