February 17 1923
Manchester Evening News, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, Saturday, February 17, 1923
MEN I HAVE MET.
(By THE SCRIBE.)
No. 1: Mr. W. A. Fairhurst.
I first met Mr. Fairhurst when he joined the Manchester Chess Club two or three years ago, and quickly discovered his marvelous knowledge of the openings. He was placed in the second class, which is very unusual for a young player, hut he quickly “earned his spurs” by winning “the Dust Memorial Cup” from a field of 167 competitors. Promoted to first-class he promptly annexed the Cup for the second time, when there were 92 competitors, also winning other club prizes.
Although Mr. Fairhurst has only taken part in serious chess for about three years he has already earned considerable distinction in the chess world. Last year he won the championship of Cheshire and is well in the running this year. Competing at the British Chess Federation Malvern Congress in 1921 he tied for second prize in the First-class Tourney (Section B).
Mr. Fairhurst has now won the championship of the Manchester Chess Club with a score of 9½ out of a possible 11. The only loss he sustained was against Mr. H. B. Lund, who is runner-up and was holder two years ago. Born at Alderley Edge, August 21, 1903, the champion is under 20 years of age and is youngest champion of the club since Mr. J. H. Blackburne took the championship from Pindar 63 years ago, being then 18 years old.
