CHESS: Kidderminster Chess Club's Paul Thomas achieved good results in the intermediate section of the sixth Birmingham League rapid-play tournament.

Thomas began well by defeating John Harris of Stroud before a draw with Warley Quinborne's Wendell Rawlings and a defeat to Church Stretton's Alan Silver.

Thomas fought back to put himself in contention for a prize with wins over fellow club player John Varilone and Kevin Ryder, of Halesowen.

But he was check-mated by Mike Groombridge, of Walsall Kipping, while Varilone recorded two wins, two draws and two losses.