AThe Honolulu Advertiser Honolulu, Hawaii Monday, June 26, 1972 - Page 24
Spassky vs. Fischer: Sixth Time Around By Charlotte Saikowski
Christian Science Monitor Service
Moscow, Russia—Boris Spassky wears an air of cool composure these days.
It may be only a psychological pose, but the Soviet world chess champion gives every appearance of being in full control of himself as he prepares for the forthcoming match Sunday with American challenger Bobby Fischer.
“I am in a very good mood,” he said at a rare press conference. generally look on this match as a big holiday because it is quite a rare event, maybe once in a lifetime. Objectively, Fischer is the strongest rival. I don't know the outcome of the match: Maybe he will win, maybe he will lose; but in any event it seems to me the match between us will be very interesting in terms of chess art.”
QUIET IN MANNER and laconic of speech, Spassky is a marked contrast to the 29-year-old American “enfant terrible” of the chess board. Bobby Fischer is known for his brashness and bombast. His squabble over the venue of the match and over the television and film rights has done nothing to enhance his popularity.
Spassky tended to downplay what he described as the “painful” haggle over the site of the 24-game match, which will be held in Reykjavik, Iceland. He suggested that Fischer's interest in money may not be purely venal but a “struggle for individuality.”
He also gave Fischer his due as a chess player.
“He is of course a brilliant player.” said Spassky.
“If he did not exist, it would be very dull without him in the chess world.”
FISCHER HAS OFTEN charged that the Russians deliberately schemed to keep anyone else from winning the world chess championship which they have held since 1948. Pressed for his opinion about such charges. Spassky said he felt the American has acquired a “persecution complex.”
Guarding his strategy. Spassky refused to talk about his physical and other training for the match or to analyze Fischer's play. He obviously did not want to divulge his own approaches to the game.
“SO FAR THIS REMAINS a secret,” he said with a smile. “After the match with Fischer. I think I'll be able to tell you more details on how I prepared.”
Queried about his life, Spassky gave a few spare details. He is a graduate in journalism from Leningrad University. He likes literature and sports, especially tennis.
Spassky left for Iceland Wednesday along with his trainer, Yefim P. Geller, and two friends. This will be his sixth confrontation with Fischer. The previous five ended in three wins for Spassky and two draws.
Spassky vs. Fischer: Sixth Time Around Mon, Jun 26, 1972 – 24 · The Honolulu Advertiser (Honolulu, Hawaii) · Newspapers.com
