SIDEMORE draughts master Tony Boyle has clinched the West Midlands Championship title for the fourth year in a row.

The 56-year-old pipped his closest rival, Droitwich’s Clive Doleman, for the title after finishing with an impressive record of 10 wins, five draws and just one defeat.

His success caps another successful year for the Bromsgrove game enthusiast.

Boyle also sealed the Birmingham Cup for the 10th time this year, winning four of his draughts contests.

He’s currently vying for more silverware in the West Midlands Matchplay Championships.

Next on the agenda is a draughts tournament in Winchester, to be held simultaneously alongside a chess competition.

He said: “There are fewer people playing draughts but those who do so are very passionate, so the standard is very high.

“I would love for draughts to be as respected as chess, unfortunately Some chess players do look down on draughts.

“But draughts is a very cerebral game, it’s a test of tactical thinking and strategy.”