A Tytherington teenager has become one of the best young chess prodigies living in the UK.

Artem Lutsko (17) has won the Delancey U18 Chess Championship, recently held in Oxfordshire.

The Ukrainian living in Macclesfield, cruised through local qualifiers, and has now won the whole thing.

The sixth former studies maths, economics and business at Tytherington School.

Artem cradles his Under 18's Trophy. (Image - www.delanceyukschoolschesschallenge.com)

Across October 14 and October 15 at the contest's venue of Blenheim Palace, Artem played 11 matches lasting around one hour each against some of the best young players from around the world.

Artem managed to win all of his first 10 matches which meant that he was crowned champion with a match to spare.  

His most memorable victory was beating a fellow International Master from France in only 25 moves! Over the course of the whole competition, Artem's record was played 24, won 23 and drew 1 - this is the best-ever performance from any competitor in the competition's history. 

Like many Ukrainians, Artem moved to England because of the war with Russia and has quickly made a name for himself on the UK chess scene.

Artem (second from right) along with winners from other age groups. (Image - www.delanceyukschoolschesschallenge.com)

Headteacher, Manny Botwe, said: "Congratulations to Tytherington Sixth Former Artem Lutsko who became the Delancey U18 Chess Champion at Blenheim Palace last weekend. This is one of the world's largest junior chess competitions."

"This is a phenomenal achievement. Artem is one of the best chess players in the world for his age and he balances this with being a great student in school. We are delighted to have him at Tytherington School."

Alongside his A-Level studies, Artem will continue to enter online chess competitions against some of the highest rated players in the world and he'll continue to represent Tytherington School when they play in the Cheshire Schools Mini Chess League. 

Across all age groups, more than 5,000 students representing over 1,000 schools and chess clubs competing throughout the spring and summer in the regional qualifying Megafinals and Gigafinals tournaments.  

Artem pictured during the regional qualifiers.

The UK Schools' Chess Challenge, supported by its long-standing partner Delancey, is a multi-stage chess competition for UK based young chess players 18 years and younger. The competition welcomes players of all experience levels through from beginner to seasoned junior international. 

Sarah Longson, Director of the Delancey UK Schools' Chess Challenge, said: "2023 has seen over the board chess bounce back strongly with lots of new organisers and events popping up around the country.

"It's been great to see children playing again face to face and the online chess boom has enabled many children to get very strong very fast as witnessed by the gold medals won by the England team at this year's World Schools and World Cadets championships. I am so proud of all the players, particularly Elis Dicen for winning U12s ahead of all the boys and Artem Lutdko from Ukraine winning the U18s and remaining unbeaten throughout the whole event." 

The event is sponsored by Delancey.

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