Chess tournament

SEVENTEEN youngsters took part in the isles’ first junior chess tournament, held in Shetland Museum and Archives on Saturday, and sponsored by local firm Tait Electronics.

The tournament resolved into a steadily dwindling group of players chasing Dean McCusker, who won his first four games in some style. 

Then in the last round against Ewan Sinclair, Dean walked into a mating attack and was joined on 4 points by Ewan and by James and Leon Riise.  These four shared the prize money.

Chess club secretary Ken Beer said: “It really is a delight to run these competitions. The kids are enthusiastic and committed.

“Their attitude towards the game and their fellow competitors is to be commended. I have great hopes for the future of chess in Shetland.

The Shetland Junior Championship will be held within the next few weeks, with the Senior Championship taking place in April.