CHESS CONGRESS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 1, 2 January 1929, Page 8

CHESS CONGRESS

THE FOURTH ROUND SATURDAY’S GAMES. [Per Press Association.] AVELLINGTON, Dec. 30. The fourth round in the New Zealand cl ess championship congress was continued on Saturday. The games were as follows:

Alillar v. Hicks (King’s Gambit declined). —As might, have been expected Miller’s first move was p-kb4 intending to play his favourite variation of the gambit, but Hicks frustrated that intention, securing the opportunity to proceed with the llalkbeer countergambit, but he captured the gambit pawn instead, thus evading the smashing Charousek attack. Aliller had other options and indulged his penchant for early attack, which Hicks meritoriously warded off, at the same time working up a strong combination for a successful attack. The possible capture of his passed pawn on k 6 worried him, however, to the neglect of more important manoeuvres, and his play palpably weakened and fizzled out in defeat.

Scvcrne v. Frskine (Alekhine’s Defence). —This game reached its 19th move and was in an absorbing position without any advantage on either side, when Severne just failed to make the required 20 moves within the hour, thus losing the match. This gave Erskine his third win and he is without a loss so far.

Gyles v. Fairburn (French Defence). —Gyles took risks with his opponent in the early stages of the garm which he would not have thought of doing with a stronger player, but Fairburn woefully failed to take advantage of them and the game can best be credited as a triumphal march to victory.

Scott and AlcCrea (Queen’s Gambit declined))—The Wanganui colt played a remarkably good game from end to end, in which he showed that he possesses the aptitude for correct reasoning. He kept his opponent on the defensive almost from the start, but AlcCrea defended well, maintaining equality in force up to the 60th move, where only one minor piece each, with five pawns, remained on the board. With blocked pawns and a clear board Scott’s bishop prevailed and he won a well fought, game on the 69’h move. Results so far are as follows: AVins Losses

ERSKINE IN THE LEAD. I Per Press Association J AVELLINGTON, Jan. 1. The position of players at the end of the sixth round of the chess con-

Millar Erskine - 4 0 (Ivies . _ 1 Hicks —• U 21 So verne ~~~ ...... —~ ii Kelli ng ..... u U Scott - .1 McCrea - ~ - .rj Fairburn 0 3

gross was as follows: — Name Won Lost D wu Pts Erskine .. • • 0 0 b (ivies .. .. 4 1 (1 4. Miller .. .. 4 2 0 4 Hicks .. .. - 2 - 3 Kelli ng .... 2 2 1 V Srvcrne .. 1 w 3 2 Scott 1 4 0 1 Fairburn .. 1 4 0 1 McCrea .... 0 4 1 i