THE winner of the Basingstoke Junior Chess Championship has been announced after 22 competitors took part in the tournament. 

Liam Durangparang, who also plays football for Oakley Boys Club, clinched victory at the 2024 event, with five and a half points over six rounds.

His impressive performance last season in the Southampton Chess League as part of the Basingstoke B team was remembered by all.

READ MORE: The secret deer park in Basingstoke with stunning walks - but picnics are forbidden

(Image: Supplied) The Silver Bishop trophy - a prestigious accolade awarded to the Junior Chess Championship winner, was kindly donated to Basingstoke Chess Club in 1935 by the then Conservative MP, Henry Drummond Wolff.

Jia Arn Yeung closely followed Liam, finishing second in the competition with five points.

The championship also witnessed commendable performances from Aatmaja Ghosh and Evie Kirton. 

Meanwhile, Basingstoke met Hamble for the belated Robertson Cup Final in the Southampton League.

The latter had previously shone with an unexpected win over Fareham in the semi-final.

Basingstoke entered the match with lower odds, with Steven Jones being the only player to not be heavily outweighed in grade.

Despite Scott Leadbetter earning the first point for Hamble, the Basingstoke team - with draws from Steven Jones, Harry Smith, and Ralph Morley - held up well.

Team captain, Jamie Chilton, pulled off a surprising win which levelled the match at 2 ½ - 2 ½, leading to Basingstoke's victory on board count, marking it as the highest competition the club has ever won in its history.