BASINGSTOKE Chess Club organised what is likely to be the first-ever women's chess championship.

The competition received eight entrants and provided an enjoyable evening of games for the club’s female members. 

At the end of the competition, Megan Birch and Flora Lewis were tied for first place with 10 points each. In a tie-breaker, Flora edged home claiming a wooden queen trophy.

Club secretary David Graham said the attractive trophy had been resident in the club’s cabinet for many years. 

It was donated to the club to encourage female chess players to participate in the game. Sadly, the competition was never held until now.

All the entrants received a trophy to mark the occasion of the event, which will now be added to the club's annual competition event.

Both Megan and Flora also recorded wins in their respective Basingstoke teams in the Southampton Chess League. Youngster Aatmaja Ghosh became the top girl player in the Hampshire under 8 junior championships. 

In the same competition, Reuben Thurstans won the under-8 boys championship.

Basingstoke chess club meets every Wednesday at the Bridge and Chess Club in Sherborne Road from 7.15pm. The club currently has its largest-ever membership and can offer games against opponents at all levels of play.