CHESS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3525, 4 October 1921, Page 28

CHESS.

OTAGO BEATS CANTERBURY. Tht annual telegraphic chess matc-li between Canterbury and Otago was concluded on Saturday evening. The Canterbury team this year is about the strongest that has yet represented that province, although it was without the services of two upperboard players in Messrs King and Hawkins. Otago was without Dunlop, Buchan, and Bolting. Otago won the toss and had the move oil the odd-numbered boards. Canterbury early in the match gained first blood at board No. 13, where Mr Noel Fulton, with a splendid game, misread a move, which cost him his queen, and he resigned immediately. Mr Allen, at the next board, soon afterwards made a similar blunder and resigned, but in this case the Canterbury player had already had the better position. Just before the close of Play on the first evening Mr Anderson resigned at board No. 1. Following is a brief description of llie games. In each case the Canterbury player is mentioned first: Board 1. —11. L. Andersen (captain) v. A. \V. O. Davies. “King’s Gambit.” Andersen adopted an inferior defence and got into difficulties early, and resigned on the twentieth move. Board 2.—H. Kennedy v. R. A. Cleland. "Queen Gambit Declined.” Careful play led to an even position throughout, and a draw resulted. Board “. —Rev. N. Friberg v_ O. Balk. “Centre Counter Gambit.” A very interesting game, and quite unorthodox until the 26th “love, when a hasty move was made bv tne Canterbury player, who thereupon resigned. The game was thus abruptly terminated at a stage where it was full of possibilities for either side. Board 4. —L. J. Darwin v. J. Edwards. “Irregular Opening.” This was also an interesting game, and resulted in a win for the Otago player, who gave up the exchange in order to maintain the attack, and after some brilliant play and 13 consecutive checks left his opponent with much material disadvantage. Resignation followed on the 461 h move. Board 5. D. Pihl v. L. D. Coombs. “Queen’s Gambit Declined.” An even content until the Otago player lost a pawn in the middle game and a second pawn later. With two pawns down ho re-signed at move 37. Board 6. R. LoveU-Smith v. W. G. (caffiuin). “Giuoco Piano.” At the first adjournment the local player lux'; a pawn down and a litito the worst of it; but on resuming gradually worked up a winning game, eventually having three passed pawns, obtaining later a weli-de-serv.-d win. board 7. -F. Woodford v. A. E. Ellis. ••15C..K-II ITimliil. ’ Early exchanges led lo ine g a id ei'burv player losing two pawns and >'• MUiinr at the fiftieth move. Pa a i '• P>. Hut !■ 11111-st v. J. Crow. "Buy Lopez.” < 'itt.-fnliy played game no “ I n i ;.l v-sixlh nmy-. when the Dunedin l-hi. - i- gamed o Uni,giil. his opponent, reBo; d * 9. F.‘ IE U." Neville v. S. S. Myr-r-. “( .- lie Gambit.” Kailv in ibe ’■line I lie local player gain;,! small ndvam-.!'-!<* and Imal on to it throughout a a I on ;li t a a in . and at move 4 i ob lamed ha- ..pporieni’s resignation. B'-ard id ii. -I. Qua-1 ell v. J. J Mar- |- '-v. ' < Bunco Pam'- A hard game followed a missed opportunity at inn\, 11. i'o'iiy 1 in favour of ( am, dm, J, e f( f :;r a i; iudiea! ion. JV-“I IE \V._ ft. J-.-.-ce v. (E p. d a a ’d. “Buy Lope/." At move 17 the

Otago player gained bishop for pawn. Canterbury, however, got a nasty advanced pawn, which, being well supported, considerably cramped the position, and only after a very hard struggle did Otago register a win. Board 12.—J. O. Chapman v. IT. IT. Henderson. “Ruy i .opez.” Canterbury won a bis! top for a pawn in the middle game. The position has been left for adjudication at an interesting stage. Board 13. —R. S. Shillito v. N. Fulton, 'Queen’s Pawn Game.” Won bv Canterbury. Board 14. J. E. Stevens v. W. 11. Allen, “King’s Bishop Gambit.” Won by Canterbury. Board 15.—E. L. Wilson v. R. J. Penrose, “King’s Pawn Game.” At the adjournment from previous Saturday’s play the. local player had slight advantage, which, however, he has not maintained, and the position now goes to adjudication, with every prospect of a draw. Board 16.—E. Dalton v. L. Grigg, “Ruy Lopez.” Otago defended against strong attack, and through excellent play emerged with winning position, and obtained Canterbury’s resignation after 40 moves had been made. Result: Otago 9j,. Canterbury 3J>. i hq three games reserved for adjudication will improve Canterbury’s score, but cannet affect the result: of the match. This concludes Otago’s telegraphic fixtures for the season. in the three matches against Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch the local club won 1, lost 1, and drew 1. During the week’s interval many congratulations were received on learning that Mr R. A. Cleland was again representing tile club in telegraphic matches. Mr Goodwin operated the wires at this end very successfully. Mr W. F. Robinson acted at the other end as umpire for Otago, and Mr T. M. Gillies umpired at this end in the interests of Canterbury. During the evening advantage was taken of the opportunity of presenting Mrs T. M. Gillies with two handsome ladies’ handhags, and Mr S. S. Myers, in an appropriate speech, asked Mr Gillies to convey to Mrs Gillies the thanks of the players for her consideration in providing refreshments at these gatherings.