Boy takes points off chess world champion

An 11-year-old British chess prodigy yesterday became the youngest player to take points off a world champion in a challenge match against the Russian master Vladimir Kramnik.

David Howell, who has been crowned a junior British chess champion in three different age groups, showed composure beyond his years in front of a large audience in London.

The schoolboy from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was beaten in three games by Kramnik but made history when he drew one game with the champion.

The result came in a blitz match, in which each player has 10 minutes on the clock.

Later, David said: "I was not nervous because there was nothing to lose. I have played in front of an audience before, but there were so many people watching. I learnt quite a lot today. He is such a strong player and he makes good moves."

David, who is also the youngest player to take on the current world champion, shot to fame in August 1999, after beating a grandmaster.

Kramnik, who claimed his title in 2000 after ending Garry Kasparov's 15-year reign, said: "It was always going to be quite difficult psychologically because it can always happen that you lose. When you lose it is unpleasant."

Asked about David's prospects, Kramnik said: "You never know for sure. There is only one world champion and many people who want to be there. It is possible that he could become world champion."

David's father, Martin, said: "It is extremely satisfying to see my son gaining in confidence and doing so well."

David's talent for chess emerged when he was just five years old. An hour after being told the rules, he showed enough ability to beat his father.

Next week David will show that his exploits have not left him old before his time. He plays an Oompa Loompa in a school production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.