West Midlands Railway (WMR) is boasting that the chess tournament it has hosted today (18 July) is the UK’s first on board a moving train.

This Sunday (20 July) is International Chess Day, which marks the founding of the International Chess Federation.

WMR held the tournament on the 10:36 service from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield Trent Valley.

Eight chess players competed in three rounds during the return journey on the Class 730 train, which lasted two hours. After a final described as “tense”, 24-year-old Paddy Mulvey was declared the winner.

The players were selected by chesscafé, which is a social night in central Birmingham that brings together chess, music and coffee, meeting once a fortnight. The players had won their places in the onboard chess tournament through a qualifying competition held during a chesscafé session.

WMR’s fleet of Class 730 trains entered service last year. The trains run on the Cross City line, as well as on routes between Birmingham International and Rugeley, and between Wolverhampton and Walsall.

The operator boasts that the trains include modern features, which include four-seater tables, smart air conditioning, Wi-Fi, power points at all seats and better accessibility. The fleet contains a total of 48 trains. The particular train used which hosted today’s chess tournament was unit number 730017, coupled with 730019.

London Northwestern Railway has also recently introduced a fleet of Class 730 trains.

“The introduction of our Class 730 fleet onto the Cross City line last year brought modern features such as intelligent air-con, Wi-Fi and open gangways for a spacious feel.

“One thing we wanted to shine a spotlight on today is the addition of tables, which weren’t available in the previous fleet. Our passengers can use these tables for more than checking emails. Bring along a sketchbook, pack of cards or – in this case – a chess set and make the most of your journey on board.”

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director