The Queen of Kings

On Sunday morning, June 13, 2021, the stars of 济南银丰 (Jǐnán Yínfēng), the team champion of the 1st “机器人谷杯” (“Robot Valley Cup”) China City Chess League for the season 2020–21, namely (in pseudo-alphabetical order): 卜祥志 (Bǔ Xiángzhì), 卢尚磊 (Lú Shànglěi), 黄仁杰 (Huáng Rénjié), 温阳 (Wēn Yáng), and, least but not last, four-time Women’s World Chess Champion and Rhodes Scholar 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) returned in triumph to 济南 (Jǐnán) — the so-called “Spring City” — just on the eve of the 端午节 (Dragon Boat Festival) to throw themselves into the “银丰杯 (Yínfēng Cup) Chess Grandmaster Challenge”. Over 50 youngsters (at least 30 more than originally planned) challenged their heroes both at the board and at the Q&A session following the simultaneous display, for the sake of their families. As usual, there have been many questions and many answers. But the best advice was given by 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán), who urged youngsters to always pursue their personal growth, no matter whether they win or lose, as life is not a game of perfect. Photos: 大众日报 (Dàzhòng Daily).