ROOTY Hill were the big winners in the Western Suburbs Chess Premiership last Thursday after a 10-week battle.

Riverstone-based Koala Chess Club, who play at Rooty Hill, won the Open division.

Only Parramatta could have caught them in the last round but with Brian Jones, Nancy Lane, Gary Lane and Tomek Rej in top form, they clung to their lead. Rooty Hill RSL Chess Club finished fourth.

Rooty Hill fielded teams in seven divisions, and won four.

The under-1900 team proved unbeatable.

Leo Tenorio, from Mount Druitt, proved to be the chess equiavalent of the Terminator.

His games take on the character of chess problems which his opponents found insoluble in over-the-board play.

The team was joined by newcomer Noel Mangrobang who, in his first tournament, showed that he is probably the best unrated player in NSW.

Other successful Rooty Hill teams were under-1700s, under-1400s and under-1200s.

Under-1400s captain Allan Butler had nine wins from 10 games while Eddie Quesada and Rolando Gonzales both registered seven wins.

The chess club meets at Rooty Hill RSL every Monday from 7pm.

Details: telephone David Evans 4739-2785 or visit www.rootyhillchess.org.