THE NEW ZEALAND CHESS TOURNAMENT.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VIII, Issue 390, 13 January 1898, Page 15

THE NEW ZEALAND CHESS TOURNAMENT.

The looked-for reunion of the New Zealand Chess players was brought to a successful conclusion on Friday last. Throughout, the play has been of an interesting character, and the tourney has been watched daily by many chess-loving spectators. Mr R. G. Barnes, of Wellington, is again the Champion of New Zealand. His win this year is the third he has secured in Championship Congress. Mr Barnes is a popular man in chess circles, and his victory was greeted with enthusiasm. Mr Howe played many good games in the (ournament and earned the second place by careful and steady play. Mr L. P. Smith, of Glenvar, third on the list, is a young player of very great promise. He was the one successful man against Mr Barnes, and his victory over the Champion is a great feather in his cap. While admitting that Mr Barnes made a mistake in the game, Mr Smith is to be congratulated upon a thoroughly deserved victory. His score shows that he played a consistent game through out. Mr Jowett had to leave off playing as duty’s call had to be obeyed The following is the complete score list: —

Wins. Losses. Barnes... ... 10| ... u Howe ... ... 9| ... 24 L. P. Smith ... 8| ... 3 4 James ... 8 4 Mellor ... 74 ... 44 Edwards ... 64 ... 54 Pleasants 64 ... 54 Wood ... ... 5| ... 64 Lelievre 5 7” Grierson 4 8 . H. H. Smith 24 ... 94 Jowett... 2 jo’ F. Smith 2 10