K.Z. CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

Evening Star, Issue 13144, 28 December 1908, Page 4

K.Z. CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

His Honor Mr Justice Denniston opened the twenty-second annual tournament for the chess championship of New Zealand in the Otago Chess Club's Rooms, Liverpool 6treet, this morning. There was a good attendance present, including Mr J. D. Wright (president of the Otago Chess Club), Rev. A. T. Chodowski (hon. treasurer), Ven. Archdeacons Gould and Neild, Mr J. Crow, Dr W. M. Stenhouse, Mr D, R. Hay (ohess editor of the Melbourne ' Weekly Times'), Mr F. J. Mowat (chess editor of the 'Otago Witness'), Messrs T. S. Graham, G. L. Denniston, H. Armstrong, G. L. Flint, W. Lpwson, G, Moody, G. Holmes, and A. E. Wolstenholme. The president (Mr G. D. Wright) explained that it !was six years since the' championship tournament was held in Dunedin. The Otago Club were honored to have the privilege of holding the tournament in their rooms. He extended a hearty welcome to' His Honor Mr Justice Denniston (who had kindly agreed to attend, although the Rev. A. Chodwowski, on behalf of the club, had asked him to do 60 only last night) and to the visiting players and citizens. The Hon. J. A. Millar, who had agreed to open the tournament, sent a letter of apology for absence, explaining that his duties kept him in Wellington, and that he wished success to the tournament and all concerned* Mr S. S. Myers had also forwarded an apology for absence, and Dr Fitchett, Wellington, had sent the following telegram :—" Best wishes for pleasant and successful meeting; sorry cannot be there." His Honor, who was greeted with cheers, explained that he had come to Dunedin to play golf, and had not known of the tournament until last night. Had be known before he would have been present as a chess player, and would have said a few words as an ex-president of the Chass Association. Although he had. been absent from Dunedin for something like twenty years, he was still an Otago man. He felt so, at any rate.—(Applause). He was sure that he was only expressing the feelings of Dunedin people in welcoming players to the championship tournament. He had learned that it was six years since the championship was held in Dunedin. He was present on that occasion, and was very glad indeed to come to this one. He hoped visitors would enjoy their vjsit. It was hardly, necessary to "speak of the t of chess to an audience of chess who represented the cream of New Zealand chess. He was very glad to meet them, and hoped that they would ;haye excellent games. "Of the charms of chess," continued His Honor, " I need -say nothing. You cannot have a gameitbat 'possesses so many things of interest, "amusement, and education. It is one'of the few games that the' element of gambling has never entered into. It is a •wholesome game. My own chess playing is of a very inferior character. I can remember playing with the president of the liAssociation (Dr Fitchett), who is a very enthusiastic player, twenty years ago, but with what result I will not say. I have played'chess for fifty years, and I nope to be able to.play as long as I live. I have much pleasure in welcoming you to this tournament, and in declaring 'it open."— (Applause.) r On the motion of Mr G. D. Wright a hearty vote of thanks was accorded His Honor for attending. < _ The following chess players are competing:—Messrs J. Edwards (ex-champion), D. Forsyth (ex-ohampion), and G. F. Dodds (all representing Otago); Mr j. C. Griersoft' (ex-champion, Auckland), Rev B Fox (Tinwald), Messrs A. W. 0. Davies (champion), R. J. Barnes (ex-champion), • J, ,I me '' and J - Mason (all representing Wellington). Messrs Edwards and Barnes are the only two competitors in this tournament who took part in the 1902 competition in Dunedin. The Ven. Archdeacon Gould and Mr F. J.Mouat acted as umpires. The following was the draw for the first round: Edwards v. Dodds. Grierson v. Forsyth. Barnes v. Davies. Mason v. Kelling. Rev. B. Fox, a bye. Edwards (white) v. Dodds (black).—Edw&rds adopted the Zukertort opening, and eacnneed a piece for two pawns on the 18th move, which gave him a strong attack. Playmg rather hurriedly, he lost the exchange on the 36th move, but, notwithrtonding, lw forced a win about the 50t-i move, his past pawns being irresistible. Barnes adopted his favorite opening—the Ruy Lopez—against Davies, the ohampion. Mason, against Kelling, adopted the Zukertort opening. The game between (Ti-ierson and Forsyth was the Greco Counter Gambit. In these games play was proceeding at 3.30. An adjournment will take place at 5.15, and play will be resumed at 7.15 p.m.