Rachael Maskell took part in a game of chess in York this afternoon (21 March).
The York Central MP faced British Chess Champion and former York Junior, Gawain Jones, in a large-scale game in St Helens Square.
The game marked the first day of the 12th ChessMates International Tournament, which is being held at York Guildhall and will run until Sunday (23 March) at 1pm.
The anticipated event was inaugurated this morning by the Lord Mayor and Grandmaster Gawain Jones.
York is the first English city to host the event, which has previously been held in iconic venues including the Eiffel Tower.
The international tournament welcomes junior players from across Europe to compete for the prestigious title, with some travelling as far as Estonia and Monaco.
For the first time ever, ChessMates International will feature a Yorkshire team alongside the English Chess Federation team.
The dedicated Yorkshire team is made up of players from Leeds, Sheffield, Hull, Ilkley, as well as York’s very own Aaron Rich, 17.
Aaron is a well known figure in the city’s chess community. He has previously supported England and now coaches at the York Chess Club.
Ben Rich, Tournament Director, said, “Chess offers tremendous educational and social benefits. Over the past few years, chess has flourished in Yorkshire, with new school clubs and community programs emerging everywhere.
“By hosting ChessMates International in York, we hope to further energize the local chess scene and encourage everyone, regardless of skill level, to get involved.”
For more information on the event, as well as a detailed schedule, click here.
