MORE than 100 players are set to compete in the Worcestershire Open Chess Congress at the University of Worcester.

Leading county players, Brian Turner and Stephen Mellor, will both be in action at the event, which takes place at the St John’s campus on Saturday and Sunday.

The top seed in the open section is Slovakian ace Miroslav Gruca.

In the intermediate category, promising juniors take on more experienced competitors.

Among those on show will be Hagley’s Joseph Friar, fresh from his UK Chess Challenge under 12s win at Derby last weekend.

He will be joined by 11-year-old Selina Moses from Germany, the talented Hollan twins from Prague and 30 adults.

Redditch’s John Holmberg, the oldest player in the event at 90, takes part in the minor section and could end up playing the youngest entrant Jacob Boswell, the UK Chess Challenge under nines winner from Stoke.

All profits will go to Age Concern Sandwell.

Organiser Andrew Farthing said: “Players have been incredibly generous.

“Almost half have added a donation to their entry fee.”