sports

Junior Chess Teams Reach Cup Final

Published March 29, 2026 · Updated March 29, 2026 · Yahoo Sport

Two junior chess teams from Thornaby have defeated four adult teams to reach a regional cup final in the Knight's Shield tournament.

The all-girls Thornaby Queens and all-boys Thornaby Juniors teams emerged victorious against adult opponents in the Cleveland Chess Association's knockout tournament. In the final match, the Juniors defeated the Queens 4-1.

Both teams are from Thornaby Chess Club, which has grown from just 12 players to over 100 members in recent years, making it 'by far the biggest club in the league' according to coach Chris Swales. Nine-year-old Jayden of the Juniors expressed his delight at beating older opponents, saying 'it's really happy for me - not for the adult.' The achievement marks the first time an entirely Under-18 team from Thornaby has won a CCA trophy.

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