Jacob Aagaard (34), of Balvie Road, had a gruelling two weeks of mental effort in the competition, which saw him emerge victorious ahead of a field of nine grandmasters, 10 international masters and 50 other top players.

He stormed to a commanding lead in the first half of the 11-round tournament but, following losses in rounds 8 and 10, risked everything for a win in the last round against the English grandmaster Glenn Flear to take first place.

His many fans were delighted with his dazzling display of fighting chess, as demonstrated by his uncompromising score of eight wins, two losses and only one, hard-fought, draw. He was deservedly awarded the "Best Game" prize for his stunning victory over grandmaster Nick Pert in round 5.

Jacob, of Danish extraction, is a full-time chess professional based in Milngavie. Deeply committed to his family and faith, he revealed that he had been spurred on to achieve his life-time best performance by the news that Anne, his Scottish wife, was expecting to give birth to their first child.

Among the key moments during the tournament, his Round 3 win, on his 34th birthday, finally took his world rating to over 2500 points thus satisfying the last of the four requirements for conferral of the title of chess grandmaster, and propelling him into the ranks of the world´s elite.

Of his much-admired Round 5 game, he recalled that he had discovered the brilliant piece sacrifice at move 12 after about eight minutes thought, but having discovered it played it almost immediately. His intuition, and courage, were finally vindicated when his opponent resigned 18 moves later.

Following a break, Jacob flies out to Italy to take part in an International Open tournament and to coach one of his students — a junior who is already one of Italy´s top players.

On Sunday, September 16, Bearsden Chess Club will be hosting an exhibition match at Cairns Church Hall, Milngavie, between Jacob and 30 players, played simultaneously on 30 boards.

Entry forms and further details will be published on the website: www.bearsdenchessclub.freeserve.co.uk