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Anish Giri Boosts “She Plays to Win” in 4NCL Opening Weekend
By Drooid · · How we work
A Strategic Hiring Defies Expectations
The Four Nations Chess League (4NCL) requires Division 1 teams to field at least one player of each sex. She Plays to Win (SPTW), a charity that promotes girls’ and women’s chess, responded by signing Grandmaster Anish Giri—Netherlands No 1 and world No 11—for the opening two fixtures of the 2026-27 season. The move was taken by SPTW manager IM Lorin D’Costa, who also serves as England women’s coach, after the league rejected SPTW’s request to compete without a male player.
Early Results and Team Performance
Giri delivered a decisive 24-move victory against GM Alexander Cherniaev on Saturday, followed by an hour-long win in the Sunday round. IM Eline Roebers, the Netherlands’ top female player, also won both of her games in 26 moves. Despite strong top-board results, SPTW’s lower boards lost enough points for Barnet Knights to edge the match 4.5-3.5. Overall, SPTW defeated the promoted side The Sharks 2 by a 6-2 scoreline, placing the team well above other relegation candidates (Sharks 2, White Rose, Blackthorne) in the early standings.
Young Talent and Future Plans
The team will retain 11-year-old British women’s champion Bodhana Sivanandan for upcoming rounds. After a draw and an endgame win in Germany’s second-division Bundesliga, she is slated to play for SPTW in the European Chess Club Cup for Women in Budva, Montenegro. A strong result there could secure her a female world-age-record International Master title, potentially surpassing Judit Polgár’s record by nearly a year.
Context Within the British Chess Landscape
The Guardian notes that prize money in the United States far exceeds that of British events. The English Championships, scheduled for 24 October – 1 November in Peterborough, will offer under £25,000 for open events despite recent prize-fund increases.
Implications for Women’s Chess Promotion
Giri’s international commitments mean his appearances for SPTW will be limited, but his early impact demonstrates how the mixed-gender rule can be leveraged to raise competitive standards and visibility for women’s teams. The strategy underscores ongoing debates about how best to support female participation while adhering to league regulations.