School girl, 9, takes on French women’s chess champion

A nine-year-old girl teamed up with 30 other talented schoolchildren to take on the six-time French women’s chess champion at an event earlier this month.

Rose Maxwell, a Year 4 pupil at Blackheath High Junior School in Wemyss Road, Blackheath, was specially selected to participate in the event – organised by She Plays to Win, a not-for-profit organisation which aims to encourage more girls to learn, play and benefit from chess.  

The group of girls – all aged between 6 and 16 – took on chess champion Sophie Milliet in a simultaneous exhibition – a chess event where one player competes against multiple opponents at the same time – on December 3.

Rose said: “Playing chess against Sophie was really exciting – I don’t know how she managed to play against 30 people at the same time, concentrating on all those games and making the right move each time. I hope I can play as well as her one day.” 

Ms Milliet said she “faced a tough test” and that many of the girls were “promising” chess players.

The final results saw one draw – but overall Ms Millet managed to defend her title.

She Plays to Win was founded by current England international women’s chess coach Lorin D’Costa, who has been coaching girls’ chess nationally and internationally for more than 11 years. 

Ms Da Costa, who also runs Blackheath High Junior School’s chess club, said: “Playing against a professional chess player like Sophie, who dedicates six hours every day to practice, demonstrated to the girls the importance of persistence and determination.

“Hopefully by competing against a strong female chess role model, the girls will be inspired and empowered.” 

Pictured top: From left, Rose Maxwell with Sophie Milliet (Picture: Blackheath High Junior School)