CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20760, 31 December 1930, Page 14

CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP.

FOURTH ROUND PLAYED

ERSKINE AHEAD OF SEVERNE,

[BY TELEGRAFH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] ROTORUA, Tuesday.

The fourth round of the New Zealand chess championship, played to-day, resulted :

Miller v. Severne.—A very evenlyplayed queen's pawn opening resulted in a draw. Though Severno had the better pawn position it was impossible to force exchanges without impairing his chances, and he accepted the draw on the 28th move. Erskine v. Herbert.— Erskine played the queen's game, and little advantage came to either player, untij. the middle game exchanges. Erskine then won a pawn, forced an exchange of queens, and obtained command of the open file. With rooks along this he was able to pin and win a piece, whoreupon Herbert resigned.

Greenfield v. Ivummer.—This was the first Ruy Lopez of the tournament, and Greenfield built up a strong position with rook at seventh and bishop at queen's fifth. Hummer's piece were confined to the back line, and Greenfield, bringing his queen to support the rook, was able to win a piece and threaten Rummer's pawns. Kummer thereupon resigned. Fail-burn v. Kelling.—An exciting queen's pawn game was played, the first main attack being along the queen's bishop's file. Fairburn here checked with bis bishop, discovering an attack upon Kelling's queen and winning a* pawn and the exchange. Kelling later resigned after a hopeless effort. Pleasants v. Maddox. —Maddox placed (be centre counter game and soon got a strong attack. Fortunately, Pleasants found the saving move and after the middle game exchanges was left with even pawns, but, with knight against bishop at the end, the game resulted in a draw. Grierson v. Gyles.—Gyles played the bishop to knight five in defence to the queen's pawn opening and won a pawn. Grierson plaved soundly, leaving Gyles to change off the pieces, playing for a draw. He left Gyles the opport unity of changing off queens after a check. Grierson then resigned. n The position of the players after tlie fourth round is:— Erskine, 4 wins, 4 points; Severne, 3 wins, 1 draw, 31, points; Gyles, 3 wins, 1 loss, 3 points; Maddox, 2 wins, 2 draws, 3 points; Greenfield, 2 wins. 2 losses. 2 points; Kelling, 2 wins, 2 losses. 2 points; Fairburn, 2 wins, I losses, 2 points; Miller, 1 win, 1 draw, Z losses, points; Pleasants 1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses, 1* points; Grierson, 1 win, 3 losses, 1 point; Kummer, 1 draw, 3 losses, 5 point; Herbert, 4 losses.