A BROTHER and sister pairing have found a passion for playing chess after attending a summer school last year.

Rook-ie duo George and Elizabeth Ivanov, who attend St Mary's Primary School, in Dollis Park, Finchley, are already entering national competitions less than 12 months after taking up the game.

Friends introduced them to the hobby and they have spent their spare time learning the rules and taking on some of the best young talent in the country.

George, 8, said: “When I was in Year 3 my friend was playing chess and I got an interest in it.

“After that I was playing in lots of tournaments and now I know that if I beat someone with a higher rating, my rating will go up.

“If you are playing a strong person you feel like you really want to win.

“My sister and I are hoping to join a club so I can play more tournaments.”

His nine-year-old sister Elizabeth, who made the first move for chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen at the 2009 London Chess Classic, said: “I went to the chess club at the summer uni and found it really interesting.

“I do get upset when I don't qualify for a tournament but I'm very happy when I do. I sometimes feel nervous when I am playing but it feels good when I win prizes.

“I enjoy it and I hope to continue playing.”

The siblings, who live in Squires Lane, joined a week-long chess club last year as part of Barnet Council's Summer Uni, which offered activities and courses for young people in the borough.

Their new found flair for the game meant they joined their school's chess club and they have now entered and won dozens of competitive tournaments between them.

Rob Allen, headteacher at St Mary's, said: “They have been playing a lot outside of school, and they were good players before they came here.

“It is a great game and for a long time I wanted to have a chess club going in the school.

“It is a very good game for brain power and provides something that is very mentally challenging.”