State chess championship held in Madison

MADISON, Ala. (WAAY) - Kings, queens, and knights filling James Clemons High School in Madison Saturday for a big competition.

The Alabama Scholastic Chess Championship featured top chess players from around the state, battling it out for top honors. This is the first year for the competition to be held in the Tennessee Valley, with Madison City Schools serving as host.

This year's event broke a record for participation, with over 180 players taking part.

"The importance of chess is pretty obvious, I think. It teaches cognitive skills and impulse control, which is very good for children," said Dr. Gerald Larson of the Alabama Chess Federation.

The competition continues Sunday, starting at 10:15 and finishing up around 4.

Source: http://www.waaytv.com