Local Chess Player Holds Her Own Against Grandmaster in Simultaneous Match

Guernsey Resident Draws with Grandmaster in Thrilling Chess Event

Guernsey, Channel Islands – In a remarkable display of skill and strategy, local chess enthusiast Gerda Nevska, 38, achieved a rare feat last weekend by drawing against renowned French grandmaster Bachar Kouatly during a simultaneous chess match held at Les Cotils.

Nevska, who began her chess journey at the tender age of six, took a fourteen-year hiatus from the game before reigniting her passion a few years ago. Despite her long break, she demonstrated that her skills remain sharp, managing to hold her own against Kouatly, the first French-Arab player to earn the grandmaster title.

“I had no nerves facing him,” Nevska told Express. “I went in with clear tactics, and it turned out to be an interesting game.” The match culminated in a “tricky endgame,” where, after a slight misstep, Kouatly offered her a draw—a proposal she eagerly accepted.

The event, organized by Jersey-born chess player and influencer Lula Roberts, featured Kouatly competing against 13 players simultaneously. Roberts, who now resides in Paris, expressed her excitement about the event, noting that the expectation was for Kouatly to win every match, but that a draw would be a significant achievement for any player.

“It’s always really fun to watch somebody get a draw in a simul against a grandmaster,” Roberts remarked. The event was conceived just a week prior during a tournament in Paris, showcasing the growing interest in chess within the Channel Islands.

The simultaneous match was part of a UK tour that included a similar event in Jersey, highlighting the vibrant chess community in the region. Roberts explained that grandmasters rely on their well-honed instincts and extensive experience, allowing them to navigate multiple games simultaneously with remarkable efficiency.

Jonathan Hill, President of the Guernsey Chess Federation, also participated in the event but faced a “predictable” defeat. He emphasized the importance of such events in fostering community engagement and inspiring players of all levels. “It’s nice to be able to put something on where players can meet a grandmaster, have a game, and chat about it afterward,” he said.

As the excitement of the event lingers, Hill encouraged anyone interested in learning chess or returning to the game to reach out to the federation. “Just contact us, send us an email, or come along to Les Cotils on a Tuesday evening,” he advised.

With the Guernsey Chess Festival celebrating its 50th edition later this year, the local chess scene is poised for continued growth and enthusiasm, inspired by events like this one that bring players together and elevate the game to new heights.