England has been the most successful nation in senior events, but competition has become stiffer in Europe, while the US has won the world over-50 teams two years running

England’s success in senior events has been outstanding in recent years, but there are indications that the golden era, which was already ­challenged by US over-50 team victories in 2023 and 2024, may be undermined ­further by individuals and teams from Eastern Europe.

At the European individual 65+ championship in Lignano Sabbiadoro, on the Adriatic coast in Northern Italy, the holder, GM John Nunn, was the strong favourite, but finished only sixth with 6.5/9. The grand­master and eminent author from Bude in ­Cornwall was unbeaten, and his fourth-round win was in his ­vintage attacking style, but a run of four ­successive draws spoiled his chances.