to Spain for the World Youth Chess Championships.

Shannon Lawrence, Jamie Hamer, and William Faulks will represent the Island in the under 14, under 12, and under ten boys categories at the Worlds between October 23 and November 6.

Each of the boys has been granted permission to be away from school for that period.

Shannon and Jamie attend Saltus Grammar School and William attends Warwick Academy.

Rebecca Faulks, an under 12 competitor, could not attend due to school commitments, but organisers have promised a female contingent next year.

Joel Salman a chess coach from Long Island, New York will join the team along with their chaperones.

Mr. Salman and Bermuda Chess Club president Nigel Freeman picked the boys (and girl) to represent the Island because they were the best prepared among the local players.

The Ministry of Youth, Sport, Recreation and Parks assisted with Mr. Salman's expenses.

The Royal Gazette this week spoke to the intrepid chess players, and their coach.

"I enjoy playing chess a lot,'' 13-year-old Shannon, from Pembroke, said. "I really don't have a favourite mood, but Gary Kasparov is my favourite player.'' Jamie, ten, from Smith's Parish, said he has a favourite move that he reserves for special occasions.

"I really don't have a favourite player though,'' he said. "I'm excited about going, but we have to take our homework with us.'' And eight-year-old William -- who has been playing for most of his life -- said he wanted to play well and enjoy himself.