The Herald Statesman Yonkers, New York Tuesday, July 11, 1972 - Page 8
Fischer-Spassky Chess Duel Opens-Finally
American challenger Bobby Fischer and Russian defender Boris Spassky finally begin play today in the richest and most publicized world chess championship of all time — unless some new snag develops.
Last minute adjustments were being made on the stage of Reykjavik Iceland's 2,500 seat sports hall. The playing table was shortened, the green-and-white marble chessboard constructed for the fourth time, and the overhead lighting changed.
Spassky, 35, drew the white chessmen and with them the first move. Fischer, 29, of Brooklyn, had the black pieces. One game will be played each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.