AArizona Daily Star Tucson, Arizona Saturday, May 06, 1972 - Page 2
Fischer Accepts Chess Site
Issues Complaint Over Treatment
Grossinger, N.Y. (AP) — American chess grand master Bobby Fischer agreed Friday to play Boris Spassky of Russia “in Iceland or anywhere else in the free world” under conditions set by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for their world championship match.
It was Fischer's first public comment since the FIDE announced April 28 that it had awarded the 24-game title match to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.
In a statement issued by a spokesman here, Fischer complained that FIDE officials had “rebuffed” his efforts to learn details of the Icelandic bid. But the spokesman added:
“In spite of continued attempts by the Russian government to defend a world title by chicanery instead of skill: in spite of conditions unfavorable to Bobby set down by a biased organization and illegally enforced, and in spite of every handicap deliberately placed in Bobby's path, he will play Mr. Spassky in Iceland or anywhere else in the free world under conditions of the Icelandic bid, as yet unseen by him, and in accordance with such rules as have been laid down by FIDE, as yet not clarified to him.”
The spokesman, Joel Pomerantz, said Fischer had notified the FIDE by telegram of his decision to accept terms of the match, in which Fischer is challenger for the title.
Earlier plans to stage the matches in Belgrade in June collapsed when Fischer demanded a share of the profits in addition to the prize.
Under conditions set in Reykjavik, the players will share a $125,000 purse, the winner getting $78,125, and the loser, $46,875. The matches were scheduled to begin July 2.
