CHESS prodigy Billy Fellows shares more than just initials in common with chess legend Bobby Fischer.
The seven-year-old Warwick Prep pupil is enjoying early success on the chequered board like Fischer, who in 1958 exploded onto the world chess scene when he became the youngest international grand master in history at the age of just 15.
Fischer was later to become world chess champion and is still considered by many to be the greatest player who ever lived.
Sixty years on and Stratford resident Billy has recently returned from a two day tournament at Westminster University where he took on 90 of England’s elite under right players, most a year older than him, and many of them England Internationals.
Billy was undaunted and finished the tournament undefeated to become the youngest under eight champion.
A delighted Billy said: “Every game was really tough and it’s amazing to win such a big tournament with so many good players.”
Billy is coached at school by a former British Under 21 champion Nick Thomas.
The World Chess Federation master said: “I advised Billy to enjoy the experience and that he would be a top contender next year when he had more experience and was a fully-fledged under eight player. His win is truly amazing.”
Billy also attends the elite Coventry Chess Academy on Saturdays which is run by one of Nick’s former pupils Paul Lam, who is also Billy’s one-to-one coach.
He said: “Billy is a fantastic player who loves chess, works hard and deserves his victory.”
