CHESS TOURNAMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 December 1944, Page 3

CHESS TOURNAMENT

FIRST DAY’S RESULTS

AUCKLAND, Dec. 26

The fifty-second New Zealand chess congress opened at Auckland to-day, when twelve competitors representing the principal New Zealand clubs commenced the first round. The present title-holder, R. G. Wade is again competing, and the veteran, F. K. Kelling, who is in his 80th year, is playing. The youngest player for championship honours is M. Stewart, of Christchurch, who is 16 years of age. The following is the result of the first round, the player mentioned first playing white: —R. G. Wade (Wellington) v. T. Lepiikman (Wellington), (queen’s gambit was accepted). This was a hard-fought contest which was’ adjourned at call of time, _both players appearing to have a 50-50 chance. J. A. Moir (Auckland) v. A. A. Fletcher (Auckland) (Sicilian defence). Ajourned with the advantage to Moir, who won an exchange. M. Stewart (Christchurch) v. C. P. Belton (Auckland) (centre counter). In the middle of the game, Belton captured his opponent’s queen for the loss of a rook, bishop and a pawn. The game was adjourned in the interesting stage. F. K. Kelling (Wellington)' v. F. McSherry (Auckland) (French defence). The veteran won a piece for a pawn in the early middle game, and forced his mate at move 41. AV. Reindler (Wanganui) v. E. Meyer (Wellington) (English opening). Reindler lost a knight at move 23 and resigned. J. K. L. Webling (Wellington) v. J. Adkins (Auckland) (Bishop’s opening). Adjourned. both equal. In the major open competition, Mrs. T. G.'Short (Auckland) defeated A. Summers (Wellington); R. Christensen (Palmerston North) defeated Miss A. Hollis (Auckland); Sgt. D. Pl. Richards (Auckland) defeated R. A. Godtschalk (Wellington); N. T. Fletcher (Wellington) defeated N. S. Henderson (Wellington). W. Pearse (Timaru) v. Leo Sim (Palmerston North), adjourned. N. Watt (Auckland) v. H. Christensen. (Palmerston North), adjourned.