BOURNEMOUTH’S biggest-ever chess tournament was declared a resounding success – and had a “sensational” upset.
The weekend tournament had a £1,000 first prize, drew 150 entrants including four Grand Masters, and was praised for its smooth organisation.
Dorset champion Allan Pleasants, 52, from Weymouth, who plays for Weymouth and Wimborne, produced an upset, beating Grand Master Keith Arkell.
He told the Echo at Boscombe’s Carrington House Hotel: “It’s my first win against a Grand Master – I am over the moon.”
Players included Alton’s Peter Williams, 16, the highest rated junior in the country.
David Howell, 21, Britain’s youngest-ever Grand Mas-ter, was top rated.
The organisers hope it will become the biggest weekend chess congress in the country – and lead to Bourne-mouth hosting the British championship.
Phil Taylor-Bowd, 44, from Alderholt, chairman of Bournemouth and District Chess League, said: “It has exceeded our expectations and Allan’s win was a sensation.”
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