JOSEPH Friar, from Bewdley, scooped a record-breaking seven titles representing Kidderminster Chess Club at local and county-wide tournaments.
Friar won the club’s showpiece Club Championship along with the President’s Cup, Lightning Play tournament, Quick-Play tournament and the club’s Handicap tournament.
The 25-year-old also triumphed in the prestigious Worcestershire Bennett Cup and emerged with the trophy at the Worcestershire Chess Congress to become Worcestershire Chess Champion.
He is the first player from the club to ever win seven titles in a single season. Kidderminster also saw three players take home individual titles.
Kidderminster Chess Club president, John Wrench, said: “Joseph has had a tremendous year and is rightly regarded currently as Worcestershire’s top chess player. It’s the first time ever that someone from the club has won seven titles in one season and he has beaten some superb and experienced players.
“He is an inspiration for many people at the club and is always willing to support and advise younger players. He sets a high standard for others to aspire to. It’s been an exceptional season for him and he fully deserves all the plaudits he’s had from across the county.
“Aside from Joseph, we’ve seen great league success and I also want to congratulate our other winners Alex, Luke and Cameron for coming away with honours this year after a range of hard-fought tournaments within the club.”
Alex Eaton won the Shuttle Shield for the first time while Luke Barton won the Graham Bunn Trophy and 14-year-old Cameron Henry retained the Minor Club Championship for the third year in a row.
And Brandon Wilkes was awarded the Clive Billinge Memorial Award for his contribution to the club.
The club’s Dudley and District League Division Three team finished as champions with nine wins and just a single defeat. Kidderminster also won the Worcester and District League.
Kidderminster’s A team finished as runners-up in the Wolverhampton and District League Division One with the Dudley Division Two side also finishing in second place.
Founded in 1845, Kidderminster Chess Club is one of the oldest in the United Kingdom.
The club are welcoming new members. For more information contact John Wrench on: 07913 227402 or email: [email protected]
