CHESS is an old game of cat and mouse played and admired by millions across the globe, one which requires players to meticulously plan their strategy whilst anticipating their opponent’s moves.

This thinking man’s game is believed to have originated in India before the seventh century, although the pieces gained their current titles in Spain in the late 15th century.

The rules weren’t standardised until the 19th century, and the first recognised World Chess Champion, Wilhelm Steinitz, claimed his title in 1886.

Hampshire residents have enjoyed playing the game over the years, like the team at King Edward VI School who made the headlines in 1996 after winning the British Times Schools Championship for the 15th time in just 20 years.

Eastleigh Unity Club played host to the county individual championships in 1996, in which Southampton University secretary Alisdair Alexander won the under 175 grading prize.

Adam Norton from Woolston was just 11 years old when he was featured in the Southern Daily Echo for being one of the brightest prospects in the sport.

Norton had represented England for three years from 1996 to 1998 and hadn’t lost a game. He was also the only person at Southampton Chess Club to win the under-18 championship three years running.