Dove wins Tennessee chess tournament

By Clinton Courier | October 30, 2026 |

By Randy Bell

James Dove shaking hands across a chessboard with his opponent at the tournament

The handshake of resignation in the final match with International Master David Ross, which sealed the win

Clinton High School junior James Dove is now the #1-rated chess player in Mississippi.

James Dove receiving the first place plaque from the chief tournament director in front of a bookshelf

Dove being presented with the first place plaque by the Chief Tournament Director, Epiphany Peters

Dove recently traveled to Memphis to compete in the Tennessee Open and State Championship chess tournament, and he won first place. Despite his competitors being much older and higher-ranked than him, Dove earned draws against a National Master and an International Master, and then defeated another International Master in the final match to secure the Tennessee state championship.