8-Year-Old Lebanese Chess Prodigy Refuses to Face Israeli Opponents at World Championship

Eight-year-old Lebanese chess champion Loren Abdel Samad withdrew from two matches against Israeli players during the World Youth Chess Championship in Batumi, Georgia. The decision led to two automatic defeats and affected her final position in the under-eight category. Her father, Bassam Abdel Samad, said Loren made the choice herself after following news reports about the conflict and its impact on children and families. Despite the competitive consequences, she remained firm in her decision. The young champion has since returned to Beirut and is now preparing for the upcoming Lebanese National Chess Championship.