B2 English Reading – Short Story & Vocabulary Quiz
Professor Anya Sharma, a respected chess player, had retired from competitive tournaments decades ago. However, the monthly local tournament in her city always brought back fond memories. This year, her old rival, a young man named Theo, competed, and was drawing a lot of attention. Surprisingly, Anya felt a familiar spark, a desire to return to the spotlight.
She decided to play. Despite her age, her knowledge of chess strategy was still immense. She focused on her practice sessions daily, often becoming completely absorbed in complex movements. She really liked the quiet silence of her study, allowing her to memorize complex openings.
The first few games were easy wins. Anya appreciated the challenge, but the real test came when she approached the final against Leo. The pressure was immense. Her past victories were recalled by commentators, but she knew she couldn’t rely on them. She faced him across the board. The game was long, and each move was calculated. Specifically, Theo’s aggressive opening forced her to adapt. Her old strength returned, and she found a way to win. It was a sweet victory.