English Chess Federation

Press Release

England’s World Championship Challenge in 2006

England’s Jovanka Houska is ambitious and ready to mount a serious challenge for the Women’s World Chess Championship in 2006. With an impressive and improving record, Jovanka is certain that with some much needed sponsorship support, she can prepare a serious world title challenge. Given the resources, Jovanka will undertake a first class preparation programme including top-flight training from Grandmaster, John Emms.

Jovanka, despite the east European sounding name, was born in South London. She is one of the few English chess professionals around these days and proudly boasts a WGM (International Woman’s Grand Master title), is qualified at male International Master level and has aspirations to become England’s first proper female Grandmaster.

Jovanka says: ‘My first achievement that I was really proud of was representing England in the World girl’s Championship under 10. I was also European Under 20 Girl’s Champion in 2000, which I think is probably my greatest achievement.’ Jovanka also adds: ‘This year I participated in the European Individual Championship for Women in Moldova. I finished in the top ten and earned the right to play in the World Championships.’

Jovanka has received encouraging support to date but needs to generate more sponsorship funding to really fulfil her ambitions. World class chess is intensive and requires training of the highest calibre. With the aid of chess software programmes and unprecedented analysis, Jovanka will only succeed for England with the resources needed to challenge at the highest level.

If you would like to sponsor Jovanka Houska in her quest for World Championship success, please contact the English Chess Federation via or on 01424 775222.

For further information on this press release, or any other matters relating to Chess including news stories, sponsorship opportunities etc please contact 01424 775222 or email