Year-End Chess Competitions

At the headquarters of the E.P.T. the unusual “championship under glass” has begun

Subheading: An International tournament and a National one are under way, promoted by the Reggio chess association.

The slanting light of the spotlights and the soft buzzing of the movie camera operated by our colleague Maioli, correspondent for RAI-TV, were the only elements of “disturbance” in the severe, muffled atmosphere of the main hall of the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo (seat of the E.P.T.), where, beginning yesterday afternoon, two chess tournaments got under way: an International Tournament and a National one.

Both events were organized by the local chess association (which by now, as a matter of tradition, stages them at the end of each year), by the Provincial Tourist Board, and by several private enthusiasts — above all Cavaliere del Lavoro Pietro Stanzi of Novellara, who is also honorary president of the Reggio club — who managed to replenish, however modestly, the finances of the promoting body, which certainly does not swim in gold. In any case, largely thanks to the energetic Dr. Enrico Paoli, the important contests were once again able to be held regularly this year, and about a dozen first-rate masters from various countries, together with another small group of Italian players, are these days facing each other in the international and national competitions.

It would not be out of place here, together with sincere praise for Cav. Stanzi and the others, to add a few words of comment on the situation in which the chess players of Reggio — and perhaps not only those of Reggio — find themselves as regards the financial resources of their association, which, although part of a regularly constituted national federation under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Instruction, receives very little. This is, in fact, an organization carrying out work of undeniable importance in that highly specialized “sport” of the brain, the nerves and the will. Yet, so we are told, chess activity seems to be treated as the Cinderella of all Cinderellas, and is thought of with excessive thrift — even stinginess — as though enthusiasm and passion alone were enough to sustain its vitality. Italian chess players have always shown that they possess both enthusiasm and passion; indeed, despite every financial difficulty, they continue bravely along the road of their championships and tournaments. But better understanding “from above,” and support more tangible than mere charity, would undoubtedly place these virtues in a worthier light, including with regard to the prestige of chess in the international arena.

Enough. Journalists are permitted only to point out problems, not to solve them. Anyone, however, will certainly understand that this modest note is meant simply as a sign of sincere admiration for the champions, who have not shrunk from sacrifice; for the organizers, who were not ashamed to hold out a hand for support; and for the backers, who generously took upon themselves a considerable expense so that Reggio should not lack its traditional courteous year-end contest.

Participants in the International Tournament are listed as: Trompus (Yugoslavia), Dély (Hungary), Setz (Argentina), Matlabar [?] (Switzerland), Kiuzel [?] (Austria), Ficker [?] (France), and for Italy Lillione (Milan), Paoli, Romani and Siveri (Reggio Emilia). Registered for the National Tournament are Sabatini (Cremona), Corradini, Marani, Pichetti [?] and Giberti (Reggio Emilia), together with Campioli and Bagnoli (Mussolombarda).

The pairings for the rounds were drawn on Sunday morning, immediately after a simple opening ceremony at which Maiocchi and Paoli spoke, bringing the greetings of the Reggio chess players to the guests. Paoli also took on the role of interpreter for German, English, French, Slavic languages and, if necessary, even Esperanto. After a cordial refreshment, play began that very afternoon.

Visible final fragment of the article: “A championship of silence; a championship of meditation. The hall of the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo…” — the remainder is cut off in the scan.