MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) -- Myrtle Beach's first U.S. Chess Mates tournament was hosted Saturday at Bridgewater Academy, drawing about 60 players for five games.

One section was held for kids in kindergarten through third grade with another for fourth through eighth graders. Everyone got certificates and medals, with 10 receiving trophies.

"I started like a pretty long time ago, but I wasn't really that good at first," first place winner Ivan said.

Fellow winner Peter Capasso said he was surprised by his own success.

"I'm very happy to be here, and I really didn't think I was going to win a trophy, but I did so," he said.

U.S. Chess Mates experts Steve Stacy said he loves teaching the game to young people.

"Realistically, the critical thinking aspects in the focus and concentration

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