The Discovery Centre once again proved to an excellent venue for the Annual Basingstoke Chess Club Simultaneous Display. The event returned after a one year gap due to Covid. Once again it was the town’s top player Steven Jones who carried out the Display.

There was some interest in whether Jones could repeat his success of two years ago when he achieved a ‘clean sweep’ winning all 20 boards played against the other club players and juniors. During the near 3 hour Display Steven Jones showed quick analyses of the position on each board and responded quickly with a very accurate reply. As the time went on player after player offered the resignation and another ‘clean sweep’ looked on the cards. However two players were hanging on and eventually recorded winds. Roberts Lapsevskis held on to pawn advantages. Richard Thurstans managed to win out in a very complicated Queen v Double Rook ending. Hence the Result: Steven Jones 19 Basingstoke Chess club members 2. The Junior prize went to Andiao Cordoni who lasted the longest number of moves before getting checkmated.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable morning’s chess with the club indebted once again to Steven Jones. Steven is the current Basingstoke Champion and plays at the top levels of chess in the UK including the British Championships on occasions.

Basingstoke Chess Club wish to record their gratitude to the staff of the Discovery Centre who as always were extremely helpful.