THEO Slade, from Marhamchurch, the Devon and Cornwall Under-9 Chess Champion, travelled to London on December 29 to compete in the Under-8 Section of the prestigious London Junior Chess Championships. He competed against 38 other children, playing 7 matches over 2 days.

Theo won his first 2 matches but then lost for only the second time in major tournaments in 2008 to Anish Ramakrishnan from London. He responded well to win his fourth and final game of the first day to leave him one point off the lead going into day two.

His first game the next day was a rematch against Carl Breindel, the only player to have beaten Theo before the tournament. In a tense game, Theo appeared to have won the match, but his opponent claimed that Theo had made an illegal move and the match had to be replayed move by move by the arbiter, who finally ruled that the game had been won fairly by Theo.

This victory over his old adversary gave Theo the impetus he needed and he cruised thorough his sixth game. With Anish losing to Harry Grieve, it left Theo and Anish level in second place, one point behind Harry.

The final game of the tournament was between Theo and Harry with Theo needing a win to tie for first place. Despite Theo having the disadvantage of playing with the black pieces, he took the game to his opponent who, on three occasions offered Theo a draw. Theo declined all three times but, in the end, could not force the win he needed and the game ended in stalemate.

With Anish winning his match, Theo ended the championships in a very creditable third place, winning a cheque for £30. Full results from the tournament can be found on http://www.ljcc.co.uk">www.ljcc.co.uk.

Theo has enjoyed a very successful year, winning 27, drawing 2 and losing just 2 of his 31 matches in major tournaments. He now looks forward to joining up with the Devon Under-11 team this month for a training day, prior to the West of England and South Wales Team tournament in Tiverton on February 7.