RAY Collett was the surprise winner of Worcester City Chess Club’s annual blitz tournament staged at St Stephen’s Church hall.

In the nine-round contest players had to complete all their moves within five minutes.

Collett led on seven points ahead of David Roberts, Stephen Mellor and Jim Keene who all tied for second spot.

The tournament arbiter was Andrew Farthing.

Winner Collett, the honorary secretary of the city club, began uncertainly in the first round but went on to secure wins in the next four games.

In the sixth round he faced the tournament’s highest-graded player Mellor who lost on time.

The only player to beat the leader was Keene.