SALISBURY Chess Club, thriving in its new premises at the Village Free House, in Wilton Road, has staged its first-ever open tournament.

Players from as far afield as Northern Ireland fought out the six-round rapid-play event, organised by Salisbury player Barry Diaper.

Outright winner, with 5.5 points from the six, hour-long games, was Tom Clarke, from Belfast. Sharing second prize with four points each were current club champion Bob Lynn (Salisbury), Richard Perrin (Southampton), Martin Buckmaster (Southampton) and Chris Kenward (Amesbury). An additional prize awarded by the club chairman for the player with the highest score, having lost in the first two rounds, went to Tom Baxter, of Southampton.

In addition to the small profit from the event, the winner very generously donated his prize cheque to the Salisbury Ace of Hearts appeal.

A spokesman said: "From the success of this tournament, the Salisbury Chess Club, albeit small in comparison with most clubs, has shown it is more than capable of staging events, and it will be staging more."

For further information, players of any strength should contact the secretary, David Ward, on 01980 632410, or Kevin Huntley, on 01722 324660 - or simply turn up at 7pm on a Thursday evening.