In Mexico City, Mrs. Wheatley connects with a high school pen pal named Manuel, spending most of her time with him. Beth prepares earnestly for the tournament, studying her books and refusing to spend time with Mrs. Wheatley and Manuel, despite the frequent invitations. When Mrs. Wheatley offers to bring Beth with them to lunch, Beth instead asks that they drop her off at the zoo. At the zoo, Beth walks around and even orders a beer. As she strolls, she sees a serious man with a family and realizes that it is Vasily Borgov, the Russian grandmaster and international champion. She feels frightened by his immense talent and rushes to hide her drinking and evade his glance. She commits to not drinking and even goes to bed early.

Beth defeats a Brazilian named Marenco first, then goes to watch Borgov play at Board One. As Beth watches him play, expressionless, anxiety builds within her. When Beth sees Mrs. Wheatley in the room later, she notices that Mrs. Wheatley seems ill. Beth wins her second game as well, and she is impressed with the rigorous competition. Beth enjoys her time in Mexico City, but Mrs. Wheatley, feeling ill, laments that Manuel has left for another woman.