AOrlando Evening Star Orlando, Florida Thursday, April 27, 1972 - Page 40
Chess Match Delay Irks Russians
MOSCOW (Reuter) — The Soviet Chess Federation today said American challenger Bobby Fischer should be deprived of the right to meet Boris Spassky, the Soviet world champion, because he did not obey international rules.
A telegram addressed to the International Chess Federation said that if Fischer was deprived of the challenge then a new challenger must be named according to the rules.
THE telegram, quoted by Tass news agency, attacked Fischer for his “caprices” and said an unprecedented situation in chess history had been created in which the challenger and not the champion dictated the terms.
The cable showed annoyance over the long wrangle about the site and terms of the match between Fischer and Spassky.
The Soviet is fulfilling predictions of Ken Smith, “…There is a move, especially in certain quarters, to replace Fischer…” ★ So, which rule did Fischer break? Name one. Made up rumors by Soviet that Fischer supposedly said he “would not play in Belgrade or Reykjavik”? A rumor which Robert Fischer disputed weeks before, reported in the April 05, 1972 NY Times clarification to FIDE, had every intention and “Ready to play.”
Rather strange the Soviet should whine about: “…unprecedented situation in chess history had been created in which the challenger and not the champion dictated the terms.”
Because, as Fischer himself later observes:
“…THE WORLD champion has the right to pick the site of the championships,” says Fischer.
“Spassky wasn't even there when the international governing body chose the site. A Russian [Soviet] delegation was there and they picked the site.” 🤔
The Times Munster, Indiana Sunday, July 02, 1972, “World Title Match in Secret”
