CHESS MATCHES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10603, 31 May 1920, Page 2

CHESS MATCHES

TELEGRAPHIC CONTEST CANTERBURY v. WELLINGTON. The annual telegraphic match between the above clubs was commenced on Saturday evening, Mr Talbot (Superintendent of Telegraphs; being able to place a wire at their disposal. A prompt start was clieoted and very good progress was made. At tire refreshment adjournment votes of thanks were accorded in both centres to the operators. Messr's G. Clark (Wellington) and .J. Gillcspio (Christchurch), and also to the two umpires, Messrs Clutten (Canterbury) and Hart (Wellington). A word of praise is also due to the local scrutineers, Messrs JJornbusch, Gyles, senr., T. A. Fletcher and I{. C. Sim. Mr A. Cieinae kindly sent the Mascerton Club’s good wishes for an enjoyable match. As three of the Christchurch representatives were in Wellington during the past week their games were played across the board with the following results (Canterbury having first move at the odd numbered boards) : Board 1, Severne (C.) v. Mason, W. Ji. (W.), centreTCOunter opening.—The latter’s twenty-fourth move was faulty, enabling Severne to win the exchange (rook for knight). Mason struggled on gamely, but was unable to make up the lost ground, and ho resigned a hopeless game at move 45. Board 2, 11. Anderson (C.) v. H. J. Barnes (WO, Rug Lapez. These old rivals met on Friday evening, a solid five hours’ battle resulting. Several exchanges left Barnes with a slight positional advantage on the queen's wingi and enabled him to- r win 1( , pawn. Ho finally forced a win at move 54 with knight and three pawns against bishop and two pawns. The game was spamdidly played on both sides.

The game at board 11, Pihl (C.)‘ v. TL S. Taylor (W.), ended in a draw as previously reported. The remaining fourteen games wera contested by wire, the pairings and openings living as follow : Board 3, Kennedy (C.) v. W. Maokay (VT.), Rug Lopez.—Heavy exchanges left each player with only a bishop and seven pawns, a draw being agreed to at I] p.m. Board 4. Hawkins <C) V. Kolling <W>. Ponziani.—The former soon got into difficulties, and had a very cramped game 11 v resigned at move 16.-

"squared accounts,’' as he defeated Kelling last year. A generous message regarding this bout from the Canterbury captain was greatly appreciated. Board 3, Twyford (C.) v. Still (W.;, Queen's Pawn game,—Even. Board 6, Woodford (O.) v. James (W.). — Several exchanges have left Woodford with two rooks and sis pawns against two rooks and five pawns. A hardfought ending is looked for. Board 7, Cant (C.) v. A. W. Gyles (W.>, Ruy Lopez.—The latter lias won a valuable centre pawn, and has established a passed pawn, well supported. . Board 8, LovcU-Smith (C.) v. Pouhy (W.),. Queen's Gambit declined. —An even and very interesting bout ~ Board 9, Darwin (C.) v. G. P. Anderson- <\V.), Giuoco Piano.—Another hard struggle for supremacy. Board 10, Stevens (C.) v. H. G. Lou (W.), Ruy Lopez.—A line combination yielded Lee two pawns, and he subsequently won a bishop. He thus holds a very decided advantage. Hoard 12, Neville (C.) v. Godteehalfc (W.), French Defence. —The latter won a pawn at move XI, and has a fine game. Board 13, Joyce (C.) v. S. Gyles (W.), Bishop’s Opening.—The latter is a pawn down in a very open game. Board 14, R. S. Shillito (C.) v. Faulkner (W.). Ruy Lopez.—Paulknor first won a knight and then the exchange. He is now a root to tho good, and Should score easily.

Board 15, Clark (C.) v. Brooker (W.), Centro Counter Opening.—A very even game. •

Board 16, Wilson (C.) v. Whtte, W. C. (W.), Giuoco Piano Opening.—Also an eicn game.

Board 17, Gallon (C.) v. H. Jessop (W.), Buy Lopez.—The latter, who won a bishop for a pawn at more 20, has decidedly the hotter game. Prom the foregoing it will be gathered that the local team has made a good beginning. Those who attend when the match is resumed next Saturday should see some very interesting ,and instructive finishes.

WELLINGTON SOUTH CLUB. The annual meeting of the above club was held in the Newtown Public Library on Thursday evening. Mr P. K. Helling (vice-president) occupying the chair. The fifteenth annual report stated that the annual handicap tourney had been won by Mr Purchas (ten wins, one loss, one draw), tbo second prize going to Mr U. Groig (9-3). Tho club championship tourney la incomplete, tho issue Being no ,v narrowed down to Messrs Purchas. G, P. Anderson, and W. J. Harper. The club won both its “home and home'' matches with Ngaio, tho first by 7 games to -1, and the second by' 9 games to 5. The annual two-round fixture with Masfcertoa was played here on Labour Hay, and was won by 21 games to IS. The other two matches were lost.viz., a telegraphic match versus Wanganui (51-65), and the annual fixture with the Working Men's Club (41-8 J). The club was worthily represented in tho New Zealand Championship Congress by Mr G. P. Anderson, who won half his games, and made an excellent first appearance.

Tho balance-sheet showed that there is a sum of -£9 16s in hand, out of which last year’s trophies have to be provided for. A satisfactory balance should therefore bo carried forward. The assets are valued at dC23.

Tho report and balance-sheet were adapted unaniimiously, a tribute Ibeing paid to (he excellent work of the retiring lion, secretary and treasurer, Mr Clark. ’

The election of officers resulted as follows;—President, Mr W. Berry- vicepresidents. Hr U. J. Kemp, and ’Messrs Porrott, Kelling and A. Clark; hon secretary and treasurer, Mr H. Purchas; auditor, Mr H. .T Thompson; delegate to the New Zealand Chess Association, Mr Purchas; committee, Messrs Anderson, Harper. Ashby, and Mulvoy; match committee. Messrs Anderson, Ashby and the secretary.

Sititablfa records were made in connection with the recent, death of Mr Walter Armstrong, who had been tho club’s president for many years. Tho hon secretary reported that ho had sent n letter of condolence to tho bereaved family, and that two vice-presidents had attended the funeral.

The prizes won Inst year were then presented by the chairman, the meeting closing with a hearty vote ff thanks to last year’s office-bearers.