TORQUAY grandmaster, Keith Arkell has taken an early lead with two wins at the diamond jubilee Paignton Chess Congress.

Arkell is sharing top spot at Oldway Mansion with James Feavyour from Bury St.Edmunds. Nigel Gill from the Isle of Man is close behind with 1.5 wins.

Locally, Stephen Schofield (Newton Abbot) has two draws whilst Alan Brusey (Teignmouth) and Robert Thompson (Torquay Boys' Grammar School) have half a point each from their first two games.

In the challengers' tournament, Devon captain, Brian Hewson is leading the way with two points. Alex Billings (Newton Abbot) has two draws with John Gorodi, at 84 years of age, and Bill Ingham (Teignmouth) on half a point each.

In the intermediate section, Norman Tidy from the Torquay leads the way with two wins. Terrance Greenaway (Torquay) and Freddie Sugden (Newton Abbot) are just behind with a point each. Geoff Rosser (Torquay) got off the mark with an early draw.

Ken Bloodworth of Plymouth, at 94 the oldest competitor taking part, has unfortunately had to withdraw in the minor section.

Having taken part in most of the 60 years of the congress he is sadly missed but hopes are he will be able to compete again next year.

Kevin Hundom (Teignmouth) leads the way with maximum points. Club colleague Ray Chubb has two draws whilst DCCA president Stephen Thorpe-Tracey is off the mark with one win.

Apart from the main tournaments, there is a morning and afternoon section. Andy Dunn (Torquay) has got of the mark with one win as has Bob Jones, the DCCA publicity officer followed by congress secretary Alan Crickmore (Plymouth) with an early draw.