14-year-old chess star Mia Mouskos has qualified for the prestigious U18 Terafinal of the UK Chess Challenge after another outstanding year of competition.
Mia, a pupil at St Paul’s Girls’ School in London, has qualified for the UK Chess Challenge Terafinal in every age category since she was eight. This year presented a new challenge as she moved into
the highly competitive Under-18 section – but she rose to it in style.
Earlier this year, Mia won the Scottish Gigafinal before going on to claim the Top Girl U18 title at the UK Chess Challenge Challengers event in Peterborough this weekend, securing her place at the
Terafinal.
She will now return to the spectacular surroundings of Blenheim Palace in a couple of weeks to
compete against some of the strongest young chess players from across the UK.
Mia first discovered chess at the age of four after being introduced to the game at school. Since then,
she has gone on to win numerous tournaments and represent England in international competition.
Her recent achievements include representing England at the ISF Gymnasiade in Bahrain and the
Glorney Cup in Ireland. She also finished runner-up in the Under-18 section of the Japanese
Women’s Chess Championship, defeating the Japanese senior champion along the way.
Closer to home, Mia has been part of the successful St Paul’s Girls’ School chess team, helping the
school win the U19 National Girls Schools Chess Championship as well as the plate trophy at the
U19 Mixed National Schools Chess Championship.
For Mia, competing against strong national and international players – and having the opportunity to
wear the England shirt – has been a particularly memorable part of her chess journey.
Mia said:
“There has been no greater challenge than reaching the Terafinal of the UK Chess
Challenge, an ambition that I think every young chess player has.
“I have been fortunate to reach Terafinals in every age category from the age of eight
through to 18, and that is perhaps my greatest achievement.
“Every chess game presents a new challenge, and that is the attraction to me. Chess has
given me the opportunity to travel across the UK and internationally, competing against so
many talented players and making new friends, which makes it even more special.”
Mia is now looking forward to returning to Blenheim Palace and taking on the very best young players
in the country in the U18 Terafinal.
