School hosting big chess tournament

Ella Rose, 5, Louise Rose, 13 and Emily Rose, 5 at last year's event

The Sir William Dupree & Phyllis Loe chess tournament takes place on April 4 and 5 and is open to everyone up to the age of 21 living or being educated in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight or the surrounding area .

Lucinda Webb, director of communications at Portsmouth High School, said: ‘We’ve hosted this event for three years with the support of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Fund.

‘I’m delighted that we are able to play our part in supporting young people who play chess and encouraging new players.’

Alan Butler, who runs the event, said: ‘We hope to be supported by the same schools as last year and also welcome new ones.

‘We’ve got some established junior chess clubs in the area now, including in Portsmouth and Fareham, and we’re also glad to have their support.

‘Around 80 young people took part last year and we hope to see at least 100 enjoy the competitive side of chess this year.’

During last year’s tournament Louise Rose, then 13, said: ‘It was really fun. I played against a mixture of people and hopefully managed to improve my tactics.’

For more details and an entry form, contact Lucinda Webb by emailing [email protected].