First simultaneous display of Chess in many years

All 26 boards on offer were snapped up to play leading Basingstoke chess player Steven Jones and a good number of people came along to watch.

Jones has an extremely high English Chess Federation grade of 206 and recently competed and scored well in the British rapid play championships in Harrogate.

Many of the club players and juniors performed well and in the end Jones managed a remarkable 23 wins, one draw and lost just two.

Club player Alistair Archibald recorded one of the wins after holding on to an early advantage.

Top local Junior player Daniel Yu who himself is heading towards a high chess grade was the other winner.

New club member Almeo Bontigao proved to be the surprise packet by having the longest game and eventually holding on for a draw in a one to one game with Jones with all the other games concluded.

The second junior prize went to Ted Mayne aged eight who lasted the most moves before losing. Not too far behind was six-year-old Edison Brown aged just six. Yu, Mayne and Brown all attend the Daneshill School.

The event proved to be successful with the Discovery Centre excellent hosts as always. Basingstoke Chess Club is indebted to Jones for the display and providing an enjoyable event.

At the half way stage of the season all six of the Basingstoke teams are in mid table.

In the Southampton League Division Two, Basingstoke A managed a good 3-2 win at a strong Hamble team.

Jones and Liam Blanc scored wins with Ivan Stipcevic and David Graham gaining draws.

In the Borders League Division Six two of the clubs youngsters have already played in their first matches.

Yasmin Phillips and Aiden Taylor played against Crowthorne and the club are hoping to field a complete all Junior team in the near future.

There was good attendance for the annual Junior Christmas party at the club and the blitz chess tourney attracted 18 entrants.

The winner was Ciaran Churcher, who edged out Bryan Vaz in the final.

Basingstoke Chess Club meet at Maydene in Sherborne Road every Wednesday. New and old members welcome.

The next Junior Chess Club meeting is on Saturday January 6 (10.30am to 12.30pm). For more info visit basingstokechessclub.co.uk.

Pictured above back row David Graham and Steven Jones

front row: Ted Mayne, Daniel Yu and Edison Brown.