CHESS

Evening Post, Volume XCII, Issue 8, 10 July 1916, Page 4

CHESS

LOCAL TOURNAMENTS,

The Wellington Chess Club's annual handicap tournament for tho "Potherick" trophy and other prizes was commenced last week, thero being thirteen entries. Messrs. Purehas, W. ,Jt. Bock, S. M&ckay, and C. W. Tanner scored win&j in the opening' round. Two fix-. tnres are outstanding, viz., Cornwell v. 11. A. Ward and Dombusch v. White (the present holtier of tho "Peihevick" trophy). Mr. Tyer bad tha bye. Two ladder matches are to bo commenced shortly, viz., Still (challenger) v. W. Mackay. for rung 2, and Tyer (challenger) v. H. A. Ward, for wing 9. The Wellington. South. Club's annual handicap tourney was' commenced a month ago, with a , dozen . entries. Messrs. Anderson, Harper, and Perrott each sustained a defeat, in tho fourth round—Mr. Purchas, the club champion, being now the only undefeated competitor. His score is 3 wins and a draw (with Mr. Douglass), and, he has an outstanding game with Mr. Bland. Other good tallies are as follows :— Harper, 4 wins, 1 loss; Anderson. 2-1: Perrott. 3^-U : Berry, . 2-2; Easton, 2£2£; and Doughs, 2^-2^. The third annual handicap tournament of the Ngaio Chess Club, is nearing completion. At late-st advices five players were leading in a bunch, there being, every "prospect of a close finish for the various prizes. A gratifying feature is the good form that is being shown by the junior players. Immediately the tourney is completed the club will contest the first of this year's home-and-homa matches with the Wellington South Club.

Tho annual handicap tourney of the Working Men's Club \va« commenced three weeks ago, with eighteen entries. The leader at present is Mr. A. J. Larking,' •with , 3 clear wins. The fine start made by this Crimean veteran, who only learnt chess 3. few years ago, is naturally very popular in the club. His form was particularly good in the third round on Saturday evening, when he received congratulations from a dozen spectators, who were delighted with the veteran's vigorous and instructive chess. Mr. Mowtell stands next to the veteran at present—closely followed by Messrs. Peake (the 1915 winner), Featonby (the 1914 winner). C. Reid, 'J. Wilson, and D. Wild. The Clnb's General Committee has accepted the date' ' submitted by the Watersiders for the coming draughts match, viz., next Thursday evening. It is undei'stood that this is to be tho first match for the challenge shield recently donated by the local Watersiders'. Union, with a view to promoting tho cause of draughts in this city. The Watersiders, who have won all the matches played between these teams in the past-, are strong favourites -for next Thursday's fixture.