“History never repeats itself, but the kaleidoscopic combinations of the pictured present often seem to be constructed out of the broken fragments of antique legends”

Another Friday, another time. It was June 29, 2018 at an unusual hour (very early in the afternoon) when at least fifty young students from the 深圳中学 (Shēnzhèn Middle School) and 龙岗小学 (Lónggǎng Primary School) gathered in the halls of the Bureau of Culture, Sport and Tourism of 龙岗区 (Lónggǎng District) in 深圳 (Shēnzhèn), China to enjoy the metaphysical experience of seeing with their own eyes four-time Women’s World Chess Champion as well as Rhodes Scholar 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán), the superstar Goddess of the royal game, getting down on earth to meet them. After a brief introduction of all her successes in chess as well as in academic studies, the youngsters presented her with their own greetings, gifting her with colourful flowers and the branded silken red scarf. After some chatting, 13th Women’s World Chess Champion performed a spectacular 50-board simultaneous exhibition, with children, young, and old irresistibly struck with the magic circle of boards. In the end, all’s well that ends well: still applauses and flowers at the superstar’s feet, who, on her turn, with a humble smile, signed autographs and posed for group pictures. Photos: sohu.com.