England finished out of the medals for the first time in five years in this week’s world senior team championships for over-50s and over-65s, played at Durres, Albania, as the US, fielding a largely former USSR squad, retained the over-50 gold medals, while a nominally German team, which also included a former Soviet star, won the over-65s event.

The US victory was clear but had a controversial aspect in the team’s use of package deals, which are forbidden in Olympiads but still allowed in senior events.

Quick Guide World senior team championships: final leading scores

Show Fide World Senior Teams Championships ran from 19-28 April in Durres, Albania

Age 50+

1 USA 1 – 15 match points (25.5 game points)

2 Italy – 15 (23)

3 Kazakhstan – 14 (27)

4 England 1 – 13 (24)

5 Iceland – 12 (23.5)

6 Hungary – 11 (21.5)

7 England 3 – 11 (18.5)

8 England 2 – 10 (20.5)

9 Alkaloid Chess Club – 10 (20)

10 Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya – 10 (20)

36 teams played

Age 65+

1 Germany-Lasker SGK – 15 match…