The Basingstoke chess teams have had a difficult start to the New Year.

However, two of the club's four teams remain top of their respective leagues.

In the Borders League Division Two the Basingstoke A team continue to top the table with three matches remaining following a 2 ½ - 2½ draw with Farnham B.

The team now need a win and a draw to clinch a highly graded league.

Basingstoke B also drew their match with Farnham C 2 ½ - 2 ½ and are certain to finish in mid table.

In the Southampton League Division Five Basingstoke went down to a heavy 3 ½-½ home defeat to nearest rivals Salisbury C with Adam Matthews securing the draw.

However, if the Sherborne Road Club win their last match at Chandler’s Ford D they will be crowned the league winners.

The Berkshire League team are locked in a relegation battle with Henley A playing in an ultra tough league.

They still have Henley A to play before the end of the season.

In the Delancey qualifiers the Basingstoke Juniors are again likely to be well represented in the Mega Finals at Winchester when it takes place.

The club qualifying event saw Edison Brown win the competition and progress to the under nine age group.

The monthly Family Chess morning which was due to be held this Saturday at the Discovery Centre (Library) has been cancelled.

The English Chess Federation have advised that no further chess is to take place while the Coronavirus uutbreak is being dealt with.