The Evening Sun Baltimore, Maryland Wednesday, July 05, 1972 - Page 3
Fischer Sorry; Chess Match Set Thursday
Reykjavik, Iceland (AP)— Bobby Fischer apologized today for delaying the start of his $300,000 chess match with world champion Boris Spassky of Russia.
The American, whose dispute over prize money forced organizers to postpone the world championship round, said he had the greatest respect for Spassky as a man and as a player.
The statement, prepared by Fischer's lawyers, was ready by Max Euwe, president of the International Chess Federation.
It was not known whether this would be sufficient to overcome Russian objections to starting the match.
Euwe said later however, the Soviet Chess Federation had cabled him demanding that he call the first game a loss for Fischer because of the American's late arrival. This would give Spassky a significant but not insurmountable advantage at the outset of the 24-game match.
Pay The Penalty
In a statement Tuesday, Spassky said he would consider starting play only if Fischer paid the penalty for his behavior.
Spassky said today he still did not know whether the match would begin Thursday. He said there would be an announcement by the Russian delegation later.
“We are sorry the world championship was delayed,” Fischer's apology began. “My problems were not with Spassky whom I respect as a man and admire as a player.”
If Spassky and the Soviet people were “distressed or discomfited,” Fischer continued “I am indeed sorry.”
“Just Punishment”
What Spassky meant when he demanded “just punishment” for Fischer, he would not say. THere were unconfirmed reports the Russians wanted Fischer to be penalized with a loss of the first game.
Though some chess officials were pessimistic about the fate of the match this morning, optimism prevailed by midafternoon.
If Spassky was ready to walk out of the championships he was not acting like it. Right after lunch he dropped his second, Yefim Geller, and two other aides at the Soviet Embassy—apparently to consult with Moscow—then drove his borrowed Ford to get its wheel alignment corrected.
Spassky appeared calm and would talk about everything except chess.
