A chess player who suffered severe 'mood swings' relating to his form killed himself after failing to progress in a prestigious chess competition.

Craig Woolcock, 43, lived for chess and an inquest hear how his emotional state varied dramatically according to how he was playing.

Mr Woolcock had even quit his job with the local authority because he 'was just going to concentrate on his chess'.

Craig Woolcock, 43, lived for chess and an inquest hear how his emotional state varied dramatically according to how he was playing

The talented amateur was riding high off the back of a clean sweep in the South Wales autumn championships to qualify for the British tournament.

But he failed to progress to the late rounds and two months after the victory, he was found dead at his house in Barry, South Wales, after being missing for several days.

The inquest heard how he suffocated himself and left a note telling his family to leave all his chess books to a friend, fellow play Kenneth Gandy.

Mr Gandy told the inquest: 'Craig had a taste for the finer things in life, he liked fine wine, nice clothes and going to the theatre.

'But Craig had his ups and downs particularly when his chess form was either particularly bad or particularly good.'

Throughout history, prominent chess players have suffered from emotional problems, often spending an almost limitless amount of time alone trying to improve in the intricate game.

International Master Alvis Vītoliņš, a Latian player, was among the best in the world but committed suicide by throwing himself from a railway bridge in 1997.

Bobby Fischer, considered by many to be the best chess player of all time, spent 20 years in obscurity after a World Title match in 1972 and later had his American passport revoked after making a number of anti-American and anti-Semitic remarks.

Cardiff Coroners Court heard how keen chess player Mr Woolcock joined his local club in Barry, South Wales, 20 years ago to play 'multiple nights' a week.

Craig played in the British chess Champions as well as the prestigious Four Nations Chess League - Britain's leading chess competition.

His father Alfred told the inquest: 'He didn't have many girlfriends growing up and was a bit of a loner at times unless it involved the chess club.'

Craig was described by his family as a 'hard working man' who had previously worked two jobs to buy a BMW car.

Happier times: Cardiff Coroners Court heard how the keen chess player joined his local club in Barry, South Wales, 20 years ago to play 'multiple nights' a week

He had left his job as a customer services official with Cardiff council after telling friends he wanted 'to concentrate on chess.'

Police were unable to access his phone or two computers which were blocked.

Cardiff coroner Thomas Atherton returned a conclusion of suicide.

Mr Atherton said: 'He must have not only thought things through but must have gone to certain lengths to acquire the material needed.

'I am satisfied that Craig's death did result in a deliberate act taken by himself.'

Speaking after his death Craig's friends and former opponents remembered him as 'a player of considerable strength'.

The talented amateur was riding high off the back of a clean sweep in the South Wales autumn championships to qualify for the British tournament

Colin Gardiner, an official at the English Chess Federation, said: 'I have known Craig for over 20 years and his warm, calm personality has enhanced many social occasions on the chess circuit.

'Craig was a very talented chess player who won many tournaments in England and Wales, frequently with the maximum score.

'He was a member of Barry Chess Club for 20 years and will be sadly missed by his many friends and colleagues.'

A spokesman for Welsh Chess Union added: 'We wish to express our sadness at his premature passing and extends sincere condolences to his family.'

Friend Ken Gandy posted a tribute to Mr Woolcock on the English Chess Federation website.

He said: 'It is with great sadness that I have to report the sudden death of Craig Woolcock at the all too young age of 42.

'I have known Craig for over 20 years and his warm, calm personality has enhanced many social occasions on the chess circuit.

'Craig was a very talented chess player who won many tournaments in England and Wales, frequently with the maximum score.

'He was a member of Barry Chess Club for 20years and will be sadly missed by his many friends and colleagues.'