England's chess teams faced a disappointing outcome at the World Senior Team Championships held in Durres, Albania, finishing out of the medals for the first time in five years. The United States claimed gold in the over-50 category, utilizing controversial package deals, while a German team won the over-65 event. England's performance was notably hindered by reigning nine-time British champion Michael Adams, who struggled early in the tournament, contributing to the team's fourth-place finish in the over-50 category. In contrast, John Emms led the team with a commendable score of 5.5/7, showcasing his leadership despite the lack of medals. The over-65 team, which had previously won multiple medals, also fell short, finishing fourth after a critical loss to Germany in round six. The English Chess Federation is now urged to reconsider its selection strategies, particularly regarding the potential return of Nigel Short, who has been absent from recent competitions. As the chess landscape evolves, the focus shifts towards upcoming tournaments, including the World 50+ in 2027.