The weekend saw the conclusion of months of planning as Sussex Junior Chess team took on Ireland at The Clarion Hotel, Crawley (Saturday 16 – Sunday 17th June). All of the players were aged between seven and sixteen years of age.

The two teams played for the Sir Patrick Moore Cup, a biennial event held alternately in Ireland and England. Sir Patrick Moore, who presents BBC2’s The Sky at Night programme from his home in Sussex, and played for the county in the 1950’s, provided the trophy.

The Rt Hon Timothy Loughton MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, Shadow Minister for Children, welcomed the Irish visitors and opened the tournament by playing the first move.

The two teams took a break from Chess on the Saturday evening, with 100 people taking part in a Sussex v Ireland Bowling contest at The Hollywood Bowl in Crawley, which was extremely popular with both the players and the supporting adults. It gave both sides an opportunity to socialise with their new friends.

The final results for this year’s two day tournament were Sussex, 142.5 to Ireland, 46.5 (189 games were played in all). This year’s victory caps a phenomenal year for Sussex Junior Chess and highlights the exceptional talent in Sussex. Sussex are the strongest Chess County in the UK.

David Howell (the youngest ever Grand Master) made a guest appearance on the Sunday, much to the delight of the children. David, just 16, lives in Sussex and attends Eastbourne College. He started playing chess at 6 at a Sussex Junior Chess event. He became a Grand Master when he was 10 months younger than his hero Gary Kasparov.

David played a two-hour simultaneous match against members of both the Sussex and Ireland teams, playing 12 at anyone time. David commented: “I was impressed by the enthusiasm and high standard of the players”. David went on to present the trophy and prizes.

Peter Doyle of the Irish Team thanked the Sussex organisers for their efforts in putting on such a well-organised and enjoyable event.

For further information please contact:

Isabel Keen – 0788 4433 200 / 01273 891402
isabel@yokehurst.com