AN England international chess player lost her first ever game played in a simultaneous display to a Halesowen player when she visited the town’s club.

Sabrina Chevannes, who will play in the British Chess Championships at Warwick University, lost to Adrian Priest, won 11 and drew three games as she played against 15 club members.

Halesowen member John Edge has also qualified to play in the championships, which start on Saturday, whilst Peter Banks and Malcolm Hunt will tackle the over 50’s event.

Chess club members play social chess and in the competitive Birmingham and District, Dudley, Worcester County and Wolverhampton leagues.

The club meets every Tuesday at The Lighthouse, Coombs Road, at 7.30pm and welcomes new members. . More information is available at www.halesowenchessclub.org.uk