Chess Match by Telegraph. Christchurch V. Dunedin.

Otago Witness, Issue 1752, 20 June 1885, Page 23

Chess Match by Telegraph. Christchurch V. Dunedin.

The obasa match b6twfeen teams picked from the players of Dunodin and Buburbs, which was commenced last Saturday, was resumed at 7 o'clock on Wednesday night. The contest has proved an uncommonly olose one, and had it not been for* what may be termed clerical mistakes, the Dunedin players would undoubtedly have soored a victory. As it is, the match is still undecided, as the score at prosent stands : Christohurch, 4 ; Dunedin, 3 ; and there are two unfinished games to be adjudicated by the well-known chess player, of Wellington (Mr Charles Benbow), It will be obvious that his decision may either make it a tie or a victory for one side or the other.

At No. 2 board Mr J. Mouat opened with the Ruy Lopez game, and before long obtained a deoided advantage. Hia opponent (Mr A. M. Ollivier), however, Bhowed great skill and ingenuity iv warding off the successive attacks made against his position, and it was only after Mr Mouat decided on brilliantly sacrificing a rook for a bishop, whereby he was enabled to queen one of his pawns, that the Chtistchurch player thought fit to lower his flag. At No. 4 board Mr 1). L. Christie, Saddle Hill, opened with the King's Knight's gambit, and after a carefully played game, succeeded in gaining a winning advantage over his opponent Mr A. H, Todd. However, a mo3t unfortunate error occurred near the finish through Mr Christie not stating what rook he wished moved to B 4, and his opponent naturally moved the one most favourable to himself. This slip cost the game, and Mr Todd admitted - after receiving the resignation of his adversary, that he would have lost bad this mistake not ocourred.

At No. 5 board Mr W. L. Christie adopted the Sicilian defence, aad played a very stubborn game ; but he ultimately lost a knight and the gams by having one of his opponent's pawns placad on the wrong square. At No. 6 board Mr D. A. De Maus, Port Chalmers, opened hia eramo with Mr IT. Guinness with the King's Knight gambit. The local player kept the lead right through the game, and won a highly creditable victory in high-class style. At No. 7 board Mr Edward Harland, Roslyn, had to face tho attack of tho Scotch gambit. At tho close of the first night's sitting he found himself in a very cramped position, and it was generally thought that he would have hard work to draw. However, by dint of careful and ingenious play, he was fortunate enough to secure the first victory in a very handsome style. At No. 8 board Mr W. B. Eyre, Dunadin, opened with tho Buy Lopez game, and at an early stage sacrificed a knight for the sake of a dashing attack Though maintained with muob tenacity of purpose, he hod to succumb to the steady resistance of hia skilful opponent, Mr J. G. L. Scott.

At No. 9 board Mr T. Fuller played tho Guiuco piano game with his opponent, Mr W. Guddon, sen. Unfortunately at the fourth move he misplaced his opponent's pawn, which compelled him to move his king, thus giving him a cramped position. He tried hard to recover lost ground, but it was of no use, as ho had to strike his colours at last after a prolonged struggle. At No. 1 board the two captains, Mowers Henry Hookham and David R. Hay, were engaged. The French defence was adopted by Mr Hay, and a keenly contested game was the result.

At No. 3 board Dr Steuhouse declined the Vienna gambit which his opponent proffered. This game has abounded in beautiful and interesting situations throughout its progress As tho above two games were not finished by 5.30 a.m., tho umpires agreed to refer them for adjudication to Mr Charles Benbow. On account of the mistakes made by several members of the team the Dunedin captain played at considerable disadvantage; as he was appealed to in all instanceo, which naturally distracted his attention from his own pame. It is satisfactory, however, to state that all difficulties were arranged in the moot amicable spirit, and the utmost good nature prevailed throughout the prolonged contest. We have no doubt this matoh will do much towards popularising the game in the two provinces.