DRAUGHTS CHAMPION RETIRING. MR JORDAN'S CAREER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2571, 24 June 1903, Page 57

DRAUGHTS CHAMPION RETIRING. MR JORDAN'S CAREER.

Owing to pTPssurie- of other matter, we were forced until now to hold over the announcement that Mr Richard Jordan, the world's champion player, has resolved to retire from active participation in affairs of the "Brod." Mr Jordan, who is only about 30 years of age, will, according to the People's Journal, return to his business as a hatter, and as he is * num with ft head and a fine address, he will no doubt succeed. During Jordan's visit to Dunedin he mentioned in conversation with us that ho would somo day have to relinquish draughts on account of busin-ess, and spoko of hia father's business as a thriving concern. Jordan made his first bid for universal fame by defeating tho late James Wylhe, "The Herd Laddie." Ho then in turn routed the force 3 of James Fem-e, Stewart of Ke'.ty, Freedmaii, and other strong players. The championship of the world now reverts to Ferric, but it ia understood that Barker, the famous American player, may claim the title. Ferric has been, twice defeated In Scottish tournament play by Stewart, and the likelihood is that the Kelly man will now make a bid for the world's championship. Bo that us if. nuTy, Jordan retires with a great reputation. His analytical powers axe of. an exceptionally high order, ajid theso ars backed' by a unique combination of patience, coolness, caution and supurb discrimination in attack und drfencp. Aging individuals will be tempted to say thab some departed champions of the "Brod" were stronger play»rs naturally than ths front rank moderns. For wide rang? and grasp, Anderson has perhaps never bee i excelled, although, somo maintain that Wylli-> w?3 hia full equal in originality. Martin-s uau one of the very b^sib for neat finishes, but jn forming a game aftaiiißt a strong opponent he rarely struck out o.i entirely fre*h lines. Jordan ajid men of tho younger school generally have hod the great) advantngo of falling heir to the wealth of published play left by the "Old) Masters." Wyllia and Ma.rt.in3 educated the dra.uchts-pla.ying woild by their brilliant analyses of tho "Switcher" and othir openings, but the oh&m> pion who now retires from the lists has beem known as tlie "strong man" in cross-board battle — nothing more. Unlike Wyllie, he cannot bo said ito have shown touciias of tha adroitly pawky. Long ago the "Herd* Laddi«{' played a loeuig game, with a Forfariaxi. Ho wrestled, cogitated and sucked his thumb in hiß most perplexed way over the position, aaid I'hen in apparent nervousness shook the "Brod " and sent the uicn. helter-skelter. Mo»li profoundly did ho apo'cuia^. "Aye, but we'll f-.et tho pesostion again, Maister Wylhe," said the "Herd's" opponent. "Na. na," urged tho wily campaigner; "jo couldna, be sure. Jist Ij^in antt'i-er game."