A HUSH of collective concentration descended over Southampton back in November 1985 as prospective grandmasters gathered to pit their wits against each other at Southampton’s Deanery School for the fourth South Hants Open Junior Chess Championship.

When this Daily Echo photograph was taken, Britain was enjoying its lofty status as the world’s second strongest nation in the game, and the attraction of chess was clear to see as more than 100 youngsters took their places at the numerous tables laid out inside the school.

“Overall it’s a record turnout”, said organiser Laurie Walker, the assistant secretary of the West of England Chess Union at the time.

“There’s a real boon on junior chess at present and Hampshire is quite a strong county. We’ve a number of nationally recognised junior players here today”

As well as local entrants, the championships attracted competitors from London, Sussex and Somerset for the two-day contest.

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