Chess: Adams loses first British Championship game since 1988 to rising star

British Championship Sees Historic Upset

WHO: Michael Adams, Svyatoslav Bazakutsa; WHAT: British Championship Round 4; WHERE: UK (Specific Venues Not Disclosed); WHEN: Exact Dates Not Provided, but within the 2026 calendar.

The Upset

Michael Adams, the 54-year-old grandmaster from Taunton, UK, suffered his first British Championship game loss since 1988. The defeat came at the hands of Svyatoslav Bazakutsa, an 18-year-old rising star based in Liverpool, UK, in a closely contested rook endgame that lasted 60 moves.

Adams, aiming for a record-equalling 10th British title, had previously remained unbeaten in 87 consecutive championship games, securing all nine of his current titles within this streak.

Event Highlights

• Player Involved: Michael Adams (54, Taunton, UK) and Svyatoslav Bazakutsa (18, Liverpool, UK)
• Notable Outcome: Adams’ first British Championship loss since 1988
• Game Details: Rook endgame, concluded in 60 moves with Bazakutsa’s win
• Adams’ Pursuit: Seeking a 10th title to equal Jonathan Penrose’s record

Background

Adams’ unparalleled consistency in the British Championship contrasts with his intermittent participation in the 1990s and 2000s, periods during which he pursued the world chess crown.

Source

This report is based on information published by The Guardian — Chess.

Official source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/07/chess-adams-loses-first-british-championship-game-since-1988-to-rising-star