A PONTYPOOL chess player is representing Wales in chess world championships.

Mark Adams, from Griffthstown, is captain of the over 50s team in the World Senior Chess Championship, currently taking place in Germany.

As a member of the Gwent chess team, Gwentchess.org.uk, Mr Adams, 55, is now competing for Wales against teams from Europe, American, Russia and further afield.

His homebound teammates are still waiting to hear how he has done, but Mr Adams posted on social media: “World Seniors Chess: Wales 2½-1½ USA. Donald Trump, Ronnie Reagan, Mickey Mouse - we gave your boys a hell of a beating!”

Fellow chess player, Harry James, 65, of New Inn, Pontypool, said: “Mark was selected to represent Wales and we are happy he is representing Gwent chess too.

“I love chess because it keeps your brain active but it’s also relaxing.

“We want to attract more people of all abilities and ages. A lot of the best players we have a tradesmen who have to use problem solving every day but aren’t typical chess players.

Gwentchess.org.uk meet every Monday Evening at the Star Inn Mamhilad, with Newport, Malpas, Abergavenny, Cwmbran and Pontypool meeting during the week.

Mr Adams is due to return home next weekend.

Gwentchess.org.uk are hosting a open day outside Argos in Cwmbran shopping centre Monmouth Walk, on Saturday, July 14, in hope of attracting new players.