YOUNG chess players in York were quick on the move when they got chance to play three-day chess master Jeff Horner.

About 30 players aged between seven and 15 took on the Bolton-based player, who has finished fourth in the British Championships, in a simultaneous display at Oaklands School.

Horner, who has been playing chess for about 40 years, then held a coaching session in the afternoon.

The session was organised by York Junior Chess Club and the event was held at Oaklands as a chess club has just been launched at the school.

For further information about junior chess in York contact Peter Cloudsdale on 767177.

York's Owen Robson and Neville Pearce were both in devastating form at last weekend's Bradford Congress.

Both Robson and Pearce scored an impressive 4 out of 5 to be joint winners of the Minor Tournament for players graded 120 and below.

Robson was joint leader on four points out of four going into the last round and quickly agreed a draw with his opponent to ensure at least a joint first place.

Pearce had taken a half point bye on the Friday evening and following three straight wins had 3 points going into the last round where he faced the experienced M Jalini.

Pearce took full advantage of his opponent's weak opening play and

won in a very quick 18 moves to share first place.

Also in the Minor were Sri Sriharan who scored a respectable 3 points and Steve Webster who scored three points.

In the Major Tournament, Eric Winn and former York player Dave Smith came joint second with scores of four points from five games.

Both can be well pleased with their performances as the grading limit was 160 and under.

Other scores in the Major tournament: Tim Turner 3, Richard Mounce 3, Jon Griffith 1.

Saturday York RI start their Saturday League matches this weekend.

York RI 'A' have been given an easy start at Wakefield 'A' in their quest to win the Woodhouse Cup.

In the Silver Rook there is an interesting match between York RI 'C' and York RI 'D'. York RI 'B' are at Pontefract 'A'.

Chess play

M Jalini v N Pearce (Bradford Minor tournament, round five):

1. e4 c5 2. b3 d6 3. Bb2 e5 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. Qe2 Nc6 6. 0-0-0 Nd4 7. Qe3 Ng4 8. Qg3 Be7 9. h3 Bh4 10.Qd3 Nxf2 11. Qe3 Nxh1 12. Nf3 Nxf3 13. Bb5+ Bd7 14. gxf3 Bxb5 15. Nxb5 a6 16. Nxd6+ Qxd6 17. Rxh1 0-0 18. Rg1 Bf6 0-1.

Updated: 12:18 Thursday, September 27, 2001