CHESS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10284, 20 May 1919, Page 2

CHESS

CANTERBURY v. WELLINGTON

THE FIRST EVENING'S PLAY. Tie above clubs were able to mako an early start with their annual match on Saturday evening, thanks to the good oiiices of Mr lulbot (superintendon l of telegraphs) and to tlio working bees .that were busy in both centres during the afternoon. Mr O. It. Hill u.npired for Wellington and Mr G. H: Olutten for Canterbury, who . won the toss, and thus had first move at the' odd-numbered boards. The operating was once more in the very capable hands, of Messsrs George Clark (Wellington) and J. Gillespie (Ohristchuroh). Mr S. Faulknor came into the local team, as Mr ; G. Panderern was unable to play. Messrs W. it. Bock, L. Sim, H. A. Ward, and P. G. Norman acted as scrutineers. Greatly appreciated wires were received during the evening from the Masterton Chess Club and the Masterton "Silver Knights," expressing best wishes for an enjoyable and successful contest. A large number of enthusiasts dropped in at the Y.M.C.A. Rooms to witness the play, the run of which was as follows (the Canterbury name being given first in each instance) : Board I—Severne v. Davies: This is to be played- over tlhe board on Mr Severne s arrival here from Nelson.

Board 2—H. Andersen v. Barnes: Mr Barnes played the Danish opening against a very strong player of Danish descent. A most interesting game is in progress. Mr Andersen still-holds the gambit paiwn. Board 3—H. Kennedy v. W. B. Mason (four knights' game). Very even; hard fighting all the way. Board 4—W. S. King v. W. Mackay (Queen's gambit declined). The former, who is an old New Zealand rifle champion, has won a piece and a pawn, and should score the game. Board s—Hawkins v. Kelling (Vienna game): Several exchanges have left this game in 8 very even state. Board 6%r-Twyford v. Still (Scotch game): The latter has tihe advantage, aving won a valuable centre pawn. Board 7—Lovell-Smith v. James (French defence): James, who is in fine form, has won a piece. He has worried his opponent with some nice "chessy" moves. Board B—Woodford v. H. G. Lee (Buy Lopez) : The latter, playing very strongly, has won two pawM, and is giving his resourceful opponent some hard thinking. Board 9—Joyce. v. Godtschalk (Queen's pawn game): The local player is "going strongly," having won three pawns, which, of course, gives him a big pull in the game. Board 10—Gouriay v. S. Gyles (Queen's . pawn - game) : A very even game right thorough. Board 11—Bruton v. E. S. Taylor French defence): Another well-con-tested and very even game. Board 12—Dirk- Pihl v. McNair (King Bishop's opening) : The latter lost a pawn through misleading one of his opponent's moves. He has thus some leeway to make up. Board 13—Darwin v. Brooker (centre counter game): . The southern player gained, 'queen' foi* - rook;,.' and obtained his opponent's resignation at. the 11 p.m. adjournment. Board 14—Wilson v.- S. Faulknor (Queen's pawn game): The Christchurch player, who got into difficulties and lost a piece, exceeded his time-limit (Bailing to make eighteen moves per hour), and the game was thus scored to his opponent. To sum tip, each side has soared one win, Wellington has force-majeure at four board' and Canterbury at three Hoards, while the remaining five games are in a very even state. The match concludes next Saturday evening, when there should he some finishes worth, going a long way to see. A very close match may be looked for.