Southend schoolboy George O'Toole captured two top scalps to become the youngest winner of the British junior chess championships.

Seven-year-old George defeated reigning under-ten British champion James Snowdon and then Daniel Hall, the captain of the England under-11 team, on his way to scooping top spot at the national event aimed at junior school children.

"George is too young at present to represent England but is already comfortably beating children who are privileged to represent their country at this mind sport," said George's mum Anne, of Manners Way, Prittlewell.

"This triumph follows George's recent achievement of becoming the second youngest ever to win an adult chess competition."

George, who attends Temple Sutton Junior School, in Eastern Avenue, won a gold medal, the Lloyds TSB Trophy which he will keep for a year and a cash prize at the championships in Leeds.

His delighted headteacher Frank Gully said: "Little George will be the best in the world. He is making incredible progress and he beats everybody in sight. He is probably as good as any other British player at his age ever."

Nine-year-old Alex, George's older brother, and Adam Jellet, eight, of Bournemouth Park Road, both scored well in the competition with four points and 2.5 points respectively.

The trio then competed in the BCF Under-ten British Rapidplay Championships, where they again performed well.

Alex was awarded second place in this national event while George and Adam both won medals.

The boys will continue to play chess for both their school and for their county.

Alex will have a trial for a place in the England Under 11 team early next year and hopes to follow in his footsteps of his elder brother Antony, 12, in representing his country at chess.

By Paul Alton

Reporter's e-mail: paul.alton@newsquest.co.uk

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