This report from the Telegraph: Malcolm Pein.

 

Derek became a strong player whilst at Oxford University and won the Hastings Challengers, to qualify for the prestigious Hastings Premier of 1956/7.

This was an enormous step up for him and a great honour. He was far from overawed in his opening game, he confounded the great Laszlo Szabo, with a tactical blow and would have won but for a remarkable saving resource. He also defeated England internationals, Jonathon Penrose and CH Alexander.

Derek competed in four British Championships, 1954, 1956, 1957 and 1958, making a positive score on each occasion.

He pursued a successful career in education, but continued to play a lot of chess, passing his love for the game to his children and grandchildren.

Until his passing, Derek was coaching juniors at Southport Chess Club and at a primary school.

One of his favourite openings was The Vienna.

 

 

DG Horseman v N. Lavers

British Chess Championship 1957

 

Vienna Game

 

1. e4 e5

2. Nc3 Nc6

3. f4 exf

4. Nf3 g5

5. h4 g4

6. Ng5 d6

7.d4 Bg7

8. Bc4 Nh6

9. Bxf4 Nxd4

10. Qd2 Bd7

11.0-0-0 b5

12. Bxf7+! Nxf7

13. Nxf7 Kxf7

14. Rdf1+ Kg8

15. Bg5 Qe8

16. Nd5 h6

17. Ne7+ Kh7

18. e5! Bxe5

19. Bf6! Nf5

20. Nxf5 Bxf5

21. Rxf5 Bxf6

22. Rxf6 Kg7

23. Rhf1 Qe7

24. Qd4 1-0