Hundreds attend chess tournament (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Hundreds attend chess tournament

5:00pm Sunday 5th April 2009 in Search

YOUNG and old battled it out in a national chess tournament held in St Albans this weekend.

Junior champions and international masters were among the 173 players who took part in the 27th South Hertfordshire Chess Congress held at St Albans School in Abbey Gateway.

Each participant had to complete five games and joining the action were young chess enthusiasts James and David Colebourn of St Albans.

Nine-year-old James joined St Albans Chess Club when he was just five years old while brother David has been the tournament’s junior champion for the past three years.

Junior chess co-ordinator Terry Douse said the event was an opportunity for youngsters to improve their chess skills while having fun.

He said: “Some of our youngest players are showing great prospect and ability to play. We have a vibrant junior team which meets on Monday nights. I hope they will enjoy the experience and hopefully it will improve them as players.”

International master Paul Littlewood of St Albans, and Russian Grandmaster Alex Cherniaev were also among competitors.

Stuart James of St Albans Chess Club told the Review: "Our annual congress always attracts a good entry of players, not just from Hertfordshire, but a lot further afield as well.”