CHESS CONGRESS

Evening Star, Issue 22539, 6 January 1937, Page 14

CHESS CONGRESS

ABBOTT LOOKS LIKE WINNER web Unitbo Press Association.] AUCKLAND, January 5. With only one round to be played, H. R. Abbott (Christchurch) is_ still leading for the chess championship of New Zealand, which should be completed to-morrow. H. M'Nabb (Auckland) and I. Burry _ (Auckland) are next, each with 7i points, but M‘Nabb has an adjourned game to finish, while Burry has played his 12 games, just as Abbott has. S. Hiudin (Christchurch) and F. K. Helling (Wellington) each, have 7 points. If M‘Nabb wins his adjourned game he will be only ’ half a point behind the leader. To-morrow’s round will be the deciding factor, with everything in, Abbott’s favour. The results of the twelfth round of play were as follow: H. M'Nabb (Auckland v. D. Lynch (Hastings).—Queen’s pawn opening. This game was adjourned at move 41, M'Nabb having a rook and six pawns against a rook and four pawns. D. I. Jones (Auckland) v. J. A. Erskine (Invercargill).—Queen’s gambit declined. At move 30 Jones sacrificed a piece for the attack, later winning the exchange and a pawn. Erskine then had a hopeless position and resigned at move 55. E. H. Severne (Wellington) v. G. P. Anderson (Wellington).:—Alekhine defence. This game was adjourned at move 42, H. E. Abbott (Christchurch) v. K. Beyer (Wellington).—Queen’s gambit declined. An orthodox draw was decided on after an even game. J. A. Hunter (Christchurch) v. R. O. Scott (Wanganui).—Giuoco Piano opening. Hunter lost a piece in the middle game and resigned at move 24. 0. B. Newick (Auckland) v. S. Hindin (Christchurch). —A centre counter opening. Hindin sacrificed a piece for the attack and managed to obtain a position where he was able to make exchange and he one pawn up. Owing to an oversight, however, he resigned the game prematurely when the material was practically even and when, in reality, he had a defence to a threat that appeared fatal. F. K. Helling (Wellington) v. I. Burry (Auckland). —Alekhine defence. Burry won a piece for a pawn at the opening. . He kept up the pressure throughout, announcing mate in five. He won a't move 42. In the premier reserve tourney, Aislabie (Napier) is still leading with 11£ points, and Mrs Abbott is second with 9J points. Aislabie played all his games, but Mrs Abbott has two to play, and can tie.