BOLTON could have its next chess champion waiting in the wings.
Ten-year-old Neil Hati-Kakoty, of Westhoughton, has been selected to take part in England trials in April.
The pupil at the Junior School of Bolton School Boys' Division is following in the footsteps of Nigel Short, who was also a pupil at the school.
Atherton-born Short became world-famous after becoming the world's youngest international chess master in 1980 at the aged of 14.
He went on to earn millions and, during his battles with Russian Garry Kasparov, was the focus of widespread media attention.
Headteacher at the boys school, Mike Percik, said: "A lot of our boys do very well in various sports but Neil has done well enough to go to these trials. In recent years chess has developed really well at the school but most boys drop out at senior school because they usually have to choose between chess and other sport.
"I'm confident Neil will keep it going and do well."
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