AThe Bismarck Tribune Bismarck, North Dakota Wednesday, July 12, 1972 - Page 2
Spassky Wins Opener: Fischer Pulls Chess Blunder
Reykjavik, Iceland (AP) — World champion Boris Spassky won the first game Wednesday in his world title chess series against American Bobby Fischer.
Fischer, in a hopeless position, resigned. He stood up, folded his score sheet and walked out of the Reykjavik sports palace.
The decision confirmed the judgment of the experts who considered Fischer was in a difficult position when the game was adjourned after 40 moves Tuesday night.
The victory gave Spassky a 1-0 lead in the 24-game match and an important psychological advantage. Fischer never has been Spassky. His winless streak against the Russian now stands at six games.
The opening game of the world championship was adjourned Tuesday night after 40 moves.
Fischer and the defending champion from Russia left the table with the American in a difficult position.
As a difficult end-game commenced, Fischer had a king and four pawns left, Spassky a king, two pawns and a bishop.
The two competitors, their seconds and chess enthusiasts throughout the world spent part of the overnight break analyzing possibilities for the 11 pieces remaining on the green-and-white chessboard in Reykjavik's sports hall: king and five pawns for Fischer; king, bishop and three pawns for Spassky.
The match had appeared headed for a draw until Fischer tried to seize the initiative on his 29th move.
The lanky Brooklyn, N.Y., challenger galloped his bishop down a long black diagonal to snatch an unprotected pawn Spassky had offered.
