Mombai crowned 2026 English u10 girl's chess champion

Desert Penguins' Chess Star Secures Historic Victory at Prestigious English Youth Championships

Nottingham, March 8, 2026 — In a thrilling display of composure and tactical brilliance, Mobai Lu has been crowned the 2026 English Under 10 Girls Champion, firmly establishing herself as one of England’s most promising young chess talents.

Her victory at the inaugural English Youth Championships, held at Nottingham High School on March 7–8, marks a remarkable milestone in her rapidly developing chess career.

A Selective Tournament of Elite Talent

The English Youth Championships is one of the most prestigious selection events for young chess players in England, bringing together the country’s top junior talent. 

The tournament serves as a key pathway for identifying players who will go on to represent England at the 2026 World and European Youth and Cadet Championships.

Competing in the Under 10 Girls category, Mobai faced the strongest players in her age group and demonstrated outstanding skill, focus, and determination across five challenging rounds.

A Dramatic Championship Victory

Mobai finished the tournament tied for first place with an impressive score of 4/5, leading to a high-stakes playoff against the tournament favourite.

In the first playoff game, she defended a difficult rook endgame with exceptional composure — an area widely regarded as one of the most technically demanding in chess. Her resilience and accuracy secured a crucial draw.

The second game proved decisive. Holding her nerve under pressure, Mobai capitalised on her opponent’s time trouble to claim victory and secure the championship title.

Representing England on the World Stage

With this achievement, Mobai has earned the honour of representing England and Desert Penguins at the 2026 World Youth Championships in Batumi, Georgia, this June.

This prestigious international event will see her compete against the best young players from around the world—an extraordinary opportunity and a testament to her talent, dedication, and competitive spirit.