ONE of the fastest improving players at Basingstoke Chess Club is 16-year-old Adam Matthew.

The Dove House School pupil is already pushing for a regular position in the club’s Southampton League team.

His mum, Diane Matthew, is delighted with his progress and said: “Adam joined the club just over a year ago and has improved immensely ever since.

“He receives many useful tips from the strong players at the club.”

Adam’s parents taught him the basic moves but when he started winning games he made the decision to join Basingstoke Chess Club. He has already competed in three Junior Tournaments.

In Berkshire League Division One, Basingstoke had a formidable task at Sandhurst and lost 5-1.

This was because there was no limit on player gradings, so the home side had ratings averaging over 30 points per player more than the visitors over the six boards.

On top board, Paul Hackman did well to draw against Bogdan Lalic, who with a grade of 232, is well into chess master territory, while Roy Ashmore also gained a draw on board four.

In the Southampton League, Basingstoke A slipped to their first defeat of the season, losing narrowly 2.5 to 1.5 at Southampton Chess Club’s E team.

Ken Wyld won on board two and Alan Willis gained a draw on board three.

Basingstoke Chess Club meet every Wednesday from 7pm to 10pm at the Bridge and Chess Club, Maydene, Sherborne Road.

New members are very welcome and the evening fee is £1.50.