THE Lytham Chess Club champion for the 1999-2000 season was Darren Jones who achieved his first championship success.

Five players tied for second place with Peter Dirs, the lowest graded player of the five being awarded the merit prize.

Peter Jowett's team put in a splendid performance in winning the League four-board Quickplay tournament.

Doug Williams was the club player of the season, with David Newton and Geoff Robinson the joint runners-up.

The first major event of the new season is the Gazette Silver Queen quickplay tournament held at the Lytham club today (September 21).