KINGS and queens took centre stage at a sports club in Bury on Sunday.

Manoeuvring skills were key for more than 80 competitors who contested the 19th Bury Rapidplay Chess Congress and included a former world junior championship player.

Over an eight-hour period, competitors of all ages — from as far as North Wales, Cumbria and the Midlands — battled it out for £720 in prize money at Elton Vale Sports Club.

Bernard Sharples, president of Bury Chess Club, said: “It was wonderful. We have had some very good feedback from the people who attended. They were very friendly and cheerful.

“Sunday’s turnout shows that, at grassroots level, people have got a great deal of active interest in the sport.”

Chinese student Tong Qui won the Open section, having played in the World Under-14 Championships for China in 2005.

The Under 170 Grade section title was shared by David Jameson and Richard Burton, both of Colwyn Bay, Wales, Steven Rooney of Church Stretton, Shropshire, and Chris Willey of Rotherham, Yorkshire.

The Under 103 Grade section winner was Stephen Crockett of Redditch, Worcestershire.

The President's Prize for the best ungraded junior score went to George Harman, of Worsley, and the Ludwig Gruchlik Trophy, awarded for the best score by a Bury player, went to Brian Forrest.