Hammersmith Chess Club Ends Wood Green’s Decades-Long Unbeaten Run in London Chess League

Title: Amateur Chess Team Ends Decades-Long Unbeaten Run of Chess Giants

In a historic upset, Hammersmith Chess Club in west London has ended the unbeaten run of Wood Green, known as the “Manchester City of chess,” in the London Chess League. Wood Green had not lost a match in the league for 22 years, dominating with a team of grandmasters and top players.

The match between the two clubs ended with Hammersmith emerging as the victors with a score of 4.5-3.5, shocking the chess community. Wood Green, with an average rating of 2456 ECF, had been unbeatable for over two decades, winning the city’s top division every year since the 2002-2003 season.

Wood Green’s use of top players, often referred to as “hired guns,” had drawn criticism over the years for making the league uncompetitive. However, Hammersmith, a club on the rise with over 200 members, managed to pull off a remarkable win with a team of international masters and young talents.

The victory has been hailed as a historic moment for chess in England, with league president Alan Palmer describing it as a “big shock” that has shaken up the entire league. Hammersmith’s captain, Jim Stevenson, credited the team’s belief and fighting spirit for the win, highlighting the club’s journey from a third-division team to a contender for the league title.

Despite the setback, Wood Green remains a chess powerhouse with a record 28 league titles. The defeat serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the game and the potential for underdog teams to rise to the occasion. Congratulations to Hammersmith on their incredible achievement in dethroning the chess giants.