‘Mates’ kept in check

Press, 21 October 1989, Page 11

‘Mates’ kept in check

By 808 SCHUMACHER When David Weegenaar says “mate” the word usually has ominous connotations for the beholder. It is likely that the person has just become another victim of Weegenaar’s chess-playing prowess. Discounting draws, he says his success rate is about 95 per cent.

Since being granted a permit by the Christchurch City Council to play simultaneous chess matches in Cathedral Square, Weegenaar has checkmated many an opponent from Christchurch citizen to overseas traveller.

Weegenaar, joint holder of the North Island chess championship, has become a regular part of the Cathedral Square scene since formulating his idea, having it approved, and beginning business on 10 boards in June.

In most cases challengers pay a small fee to combat him with a chance to improve their investment should they be

successful. The revenue from this source is only pocket money, according to Weegenaar, who would like to see a more professional arrangement. Chess has become a way of life for Weegenaar since he returned to the sport this year after a two-year break. He coaches 15 juniors on Friday evenings and several businesses assist him in his Square activities by supplying vouchers as prizes or gifts for children. Weegenaar, aged 27, is open to challenges most fine days in Cathedral Square but finds Thursdays and Fridays the best days for business. “People seem to have money in their pockets at the end of the week.”

Weegenaar will also ply his trade for four days at the Canterbury A. and P. Show next month. He will set up 15 boards in Canterbury Court and will take on all comers simultaneously for a small charge.