Published: Thursday, 29th January, 2009 7:00am

Pupils make their move in chess matches

by Annabel Williams

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THE KINGS were separated from the pawns at a primary school chess tournament.

Dozens of pupils from schools across the county gave up their Saturday afternoon to pit their wits against each other in the competition at Hurst Primary School.

The event was organised by the Berkshire Junior Chess Association, which has arranged similar tournaments at 17 other primary schools across the county between September and April.

Organiser Nigel Dennis said: "The standard of chess is quite good. We also had quite a good tournament at Curridge Primary School in Newbury."

Tournament winner was 10-year-old Ben Ward, from Claires Court Ridgeway School in Maidenhead.

He said: "I've been playing chess for four years. We were on holiday in Egypt and I started playing my dad.

"I beat my dad most of the time.

"We have a chess club at school, we play once a month against different schools and we're one of the best in the area."

Ephraim Joseph, a nine-year-old pupil at Radstock Primary School in Earley, said: "I've been playing for about two years.

"It's a peaceful game and you can concentrate without being disturbed.

"I used to struggle a lot, then when I was five I managed to play properly.

"There's a chess club every Tuesday at my primary school.

"I play my dad and sister. My sister is rubbish. Sometimes I beat my dad, sometimes he beats me."

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