Eight-year-old Lebanese chess talent refuses to face ‘Israeli’ players: report

Lebanese 8-year-old chess player Loren Abdel Samad withdrew from two scheduled matches against ‘Israeli’ opponents during the World Youth Chess Championship for the under-eight age category, held in Batumi, Georgia, from June 14-27, 2026 – according to a report on Lebanese media

The withdrawals resulted in automatic losses and cost her points that could have influenced her final standing in the tournament, the reports said.

Family cites personal stance

According to her family speaking to Lebanese media, Abdel Samad chose not to face the ‘Israeli’ players despite knowing the decision would affect her tournament score.

Her father, Bassam Abdel Samad, told local media that his daughter "withdrew from the games against two Israeli players intentionally."

He added that she closely follows the news and has seen "the destruction of homes and the targeting of children."

"Even if Lebanese law allowed her to play against the Israeli players, she would not have done so," he said, adding that she holds a firm personal position despite her young age.

Rising young talent

Before competing at the World Youth Chess Championship, Abdel Samad had already built an impressive record in Lebanon.

She won first place in the Lebanese American University (LAU) Chess Championship and claimed the Lebanese Chess Federation title in her age category.

After returning to Beirut, the young player is preparing to compete in the 2026 Lebanese Chess Championship.