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Scots draughts grand master looks for gold at Mind Olympics

September 3, 2008

A SCOT hopes to bring home a gold medal from Beijing - for his mental gymnastics on the draughts board.

William Docherty is competing at the first Mind Sports Games next month, which involve more than 3000 experts from150 countries.

The event features five games - bridge, chess, draughts and Chinese games Go and Xiangqi.

And draughts grand master William, 41, from Glasgow, believes he has got what it takes to emulate our Olympic heroes and win a medal.

The father-of-two, the only Scot to represent Great Britain, is the best draughts player in the UK and third in the world.

He said: "Draughts might sound like a child's game but there are a lot of different combinations and techniques.

"It is not as easy as people might think and there is a lot of competition between players across the world.

"But I am confident I can give it my best shot and bring home a medal. I would love to win gold as a proud Scotsman."

William now lives in Paris with partner Sylvie and their sons Liam, seven, and three-year-old Owen.

He has been training hard since January in preparation for the games on October 3.

William added: "I have been practising for several hours a day for months to make sure I am on top form."


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