THEO Slade, from Marhamchurch, travelled to Kingsteignton on Saturday December 4 to play in the Under-11 section of the Devon Junior Chess Championships.

There were 40 children competing for the title, with half of the players a year older than Theo. The tournament consisted of six matches of an hour each, with the top players facing better opponents the more the competition progressed.

Theo knew that his toughest games would come against pupils from Broadclyst School, near Exeter, who had eight players representing their school.

Broadclyst children generally make up 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the Devon Under-11 Chess Team which is no surprise with their chess club not only meeting once a week, but also playing before school in the mornings and at lunch time.

Theo started well with wins in his first three matches.

See how Theo got on in this week's 'Post'.