AThe Gazette Montreal, Quebec, Canada Friday, February 18, 1972 - Page 6
Next Move
Thanks to binding arbitration, a small international problem has been settled and the most exciting world championship chess match since the Second World War can proceed.
The problem was where Boris Spassky of the USSR, the current title holder, preferred Reykjavik. Bobby Fischer, the prickly, monomanic [#AutismAwareness] U.S. challenger, wanted Belgrade (it had offered to put up the most money). Dr. Max Euwe, president of the International Chess Federation, has decided with Solomonic logic to hold the first 12 games of the 24-game match in Yugoslavia and the last 12 in Iceland.
The world chess title is now defended once every three years. What generates especial excitement this year is Fischer, the first non-Soviet challenger since the death of Alekhine — and he was an expatriate Russian — in 1946.
Some Canadians find it incredible, but Fischer's record in his field probably surpasses that of, say, Bobby Orr in hockey or Willie Mays in baseball. Around the world he is much better known, and like the others, his presence in a game generates an electric tension.
And so, not later than June 25, the contest will be on. The exact date has not yet been set, but thanks to the arbitrator, the sticking point has been passed. It is too bad this technique cannot be applied to larger international difficulties.
