CHESS CONGRESS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2344, 29 December 1914, Page 8

CHESS CONGRESS

THE OPENING DAY'S PLAY. (By Telegraph—Press Association'.) Ctii'isichurch, December 28. Tie New Zealand OJiess Association's annual championship congress was fornially opened this morning at the Y.M.C.A. Buildings by the Mayor, Mr. H. Holland, who extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. Amongst thoso present was Judge Deuuiston, ex-presi-dent of the association. The following are the competitors:— J. C. Griereon (Auckland), E. Hicka (Napier), .0. Pleasants (Wangamu), fa. W. Moore (Masterton), R. J. Barnes and F. Kelling (Wellington W.M.C), W 0. Hill (Wellington), G. F. Dodds (Nelson), E. H. Se-verne and W. H. Buckett (Canterbury), T. Mara (Timaru), Rev. B. Fox (Little River), Rev. C. E. Fox (Solomon Islands). It was decided to play seven rounds this week and six rounds next week, fin» ishing on Friday • night. Play started at 2.30 p.m., the pairing and results being ae follow:— Barnes v. Hill (Sicilian Defence).— After a stubborn fight tho former won a knight on the 33rd move, whereupon Hill resigned. Grierson v. Kelling (Queen's Gambit Declined).—The game was unfinished fit the end of the evening sitting, and adjourned. Kelling is a pawn to the good "with apparently a safe position. Severne and Buckett (Double Ruy Lopez).—A very even game up to the 45th move, when Severne won a pawn, but playing the end game weakly ha allowed his opponent to force a mato on the 60th move. C; E. Fox v. B. G. Fox (Queen's Gambit Declined).—Through pressure of the time limit the latter lost a bishop on the 36th move, and surrendered two moves later. \' Pleasants v. Hicks (Centre Counter Game).—A very even game up to the 28th more, when Pleasants went astray and resigned on. the 35th move. Moore v. Mara (Petrpff Defence).—The latter loßt a knight on the 16th move through a miscalculation' and Mopre. scored a win on the 35th move. Dodds had the bye.