Chess ace Nigel Short steamrollered the Shropshire opposition as he threw down the gauntlet to 34 challengers at the same time in Telford.

Mr Short, who once battled the legendary Gary Kasparov for the world championship title, racked up an undefeated 33-1 score against a field which included some of Shropshire’s strongest players.

Two former county champions, Jamie Hopkins and Nigel Ferrington were the only ones to have any joy, both scoring draws to earn half a point each.

Short’s simultaneous display involved playing a number of opponents at once, moving round the boards in turn making his moves.

The event yesterday was held at the Wrekin Housing Trust premises and organiser Francis Best, of Shropshire Chess Association, said: “It went brilliantly. We had fantastic support from Shropshire players and there were a lot of people behind the scenes to thank.”

Short, who hails originally from Bolton and was making his first trip to Shropshire since his childhood days, said: “It was hard work. I’m delighted with my score. I had some strong opposition. I had a hard time in a lot of games but I managed to turn around a lot of not very good positions.”

Youngest challenger was 11-year-old Heath Pearson, of Oxon Primary School, Shrewsbury, who went for 34 moves before conceding defeat.

“I lasted much longer than I thought I would,” he said. “It was quite exciting.”

Heath said Short had given him some encouraging words about his playing.

Hopkins, who plays for Shrewsbury chess club, was delighted to gain a draw, and was also awarded the best game prize by Short.

“I just played it solidly and didn’t let him in. It was a stone-cold draw in the end,” he said.

Short was accompanied by CJ de Mooi, well known from quiz programmes, including Eggheads, who is president of the English Chess Federation.

The event included chess lectures, and a special chess-themed menu, and after the simultaneous display Short signed autographs and posed for pictures.

By Toby Neal