PEWSEY Vale pupil Sherwin Panaligan made all the right moves as he claimed the inter-school grandmaster chess trophy.

After six weeks of stiff competition with more than 50 competitors, the Year 11 pupil conquered all last Wednesday (January 18), seeing off Year 9 pupil Nathan Smith in the final.

The pupils did battle across the six weeks during lunch times in what was the fifth time the competition, organised by librarian Karen Sheppy, has been held.

“The competition was really intense so I was really happy to win in the end,” said Sherwin, 16. “There were a lot of close matches.”

Runner-up Nathan, 14, said: “I am really pleased to have got this far as I did not expect to at all. He was a really tough opponent but I think I gave him a good run for his money. Hopefully next year I can win the whole thing.”

Oliver Nordhoff, 13, who lost in the semi-final: “I really enjoyed the tournament. I am glad I made it to the semi-final as there was some good competition and I am confident I can do better next year.”

The other semi-finalist, Ben Talty, 12, said: “Last year I made it to round three so this is good progress. I am one of the younger competitors so with a bit more practice I think I can go further.”

Mrs Sheppy said: “Sherwin was a very strong player although he faced some tough competition from students from all year groups. We were delighted to receive funding from the Doreen King Foundation Fund for 10 chess sets which has enabled the competition to grow.”