IT was checkmate at Inverclyde Academy as quick-thinking pupils battled it out in the school’s hotly contested chess championship.

Concentration was key as the pupils carefully plotted their moves in their bid to win an array of silverware.

But it was Scott Fitzgerald who came out on top — winning the prestigious senior school championship, with Thomas Innes closely behind as the runner-up.

Meanwhile, Scott McDonald put in a fine performance to win the junior championship with Cameron Findlay in second place.

In the speed chess competition, Callum Terrey was a worthy winner, with Scott McDonald as the runner-up.

Technology teacher Ian Jamieson, who organises the event with maths teacher Campbell Donnachie, was impressed by the calibre of chess playing on display.

He told the Tele: “Chess is a game of skill, luck plays no part as there are no dice to roll, no lucky cards to pick, it’s just you, your opponent, the rules and the chess pieces.

“It’s good to see youngsters actively problem solving in competitive circumstances without a computer or other electronic devices doing it for them.

“A win is earned and a defeat you can learn from — this can only stand the children in good stead later in life.” The school’s first chess champion was Nathan O’Neill, who won five years in a row.