A MONMOUTH schoolgirl was named the joint under 18 Welsh girls chess champion.

Stephanie du Toit, a Year 6 pupil at Inglefield House, Haberdashers, drew with the British and reigning Welsh under 18 champion, Megan Owens, who has held the Welsh title since 2003, at the Welsh Girls Under 18 Championship, which was held in Bridgend from January 4 to 6.

In the past year, Stephanie has also competed in the Junior World Championships in Brazil and travelled to Slovenia for a competition.

Kevin Thomas, her chess coach at Inglefield House, said: “We are very proud of her achievement at such a young age and look forward to watching her future progression in the world of chess. She is an exciting player who shows tremendous potential.”