CHESS BATTLES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6493, 13 April 1908, Page 6

CHESS BATTLES

THE FORTHCOMING CHAMPIONSHIP. ABOUT THE PLATERS. Eleven chess players will meet in Wellington on Easter Monday to pore over the squares and match against brain ror the champkm&iiip of New Zealand. The annual oongxass promoted b> the New Zealand Chess Association, of ‘which Mr Justice Denmston is president, is to be held in the Mayor’s room at the Town Hall, and it will be formally opened by his Worship. Invitations are being sent to all chess players known to the association, and it is hoped that the matches will always be carried on in the presence of those who can be educated and entertained by the play. Play will probably last a -week. Leaving out of consideration last year's congress, which, on account of its leing held at Christchurch, during the Exhibition, drew an abnormally large entry, this year’s congress i& above the numerical average, and is especially interesting for the appearance of new and promising players. W© give the entrants and some notes upon tnose who are known to our informant, a prominent player.

The competitors. Freeman (Auckland Vs orking Men’s Club)—A strong player, hut with very uttle congress experience.

O. Sainebury (Gisborne Chess Club)At tho last International Congress held in Christchurch he represented the Argentine, where ho had held a foremost record among South American players, but his score in the championship did not justify expectations. He is, nevertheless, a player to be reckoned with, being careful, with a good' knowledge of tho book.

J. A. Connell (Wairoa Chess Club) — His principal achievements in chess havo been the starting of elute ratner than strength of play. To his enthusiasm was due the resuscitation of the Tim am Club, the formation of the Marlborough and Gisborne Chess Clubs. He is president of the Wairoa Club, which ho represents at the congress. Once before he competed in the championship games, and managed to give the champion of that year his only defeat, but his general display was not so good, being probably spoiled by the distractions of secretarial duties. M. S. Stewart (Canterbury Chess Club) —Made a very respectable score in the las t Internationa] Congress, showing brilliance at times. His play was not regarded as quite np to championship form, but ho is to be reckoned with, owing to his style and general grasp of the game. F. Kummer (Masterton Chess Club)— An enthusiastic player who makes the most of his opportunities. He usually fills in his full time, and rarely makes a mistake. He has taken part in more than one congress, but until the Christchurch gathering did not show championship form. Then he surprised his friends by securing fourth place in the international competition and second on the New Zealand list.

Rov. Fox (Tinwald, GanterbnXy) The only unattached player. His chces performances are not available.

R. J. baraes (AVdilmgtfcm Working’ Men's Club) —The only player in New Zealand who for eighteen consecutive ye are has attended the congress. He has won the championship five times. At h’S best there are not many players in the Dominion who could hope to win the championship from him, but he varies. F. K. Kelliog (Wellington)—For five years hon. secretary of the association, and probably the most popular man in thu chess world in New Zealand. His natural urbanity has often "floored" an opponent over the board. A. W. 0. Davies (We Ih n gton)—W i nner of the championship at the Oamaru congress a few years ago, where he made a fine score against a strong team. He is a player of exceptional astuteness, knows his book thoroughly, and an opponent must always look out for his A rapid player, be rarely fills in his time, and is expected to reach the top or near it this time. H. L. James (Wellington)—Has several times taken part in championship congresses, and has been a prize-winner, though never succeeding in reaching tho tor> notch. He. is a studious player who takes all the thinking time he can get. Rutherford (Wanganui Choss Club).