AWarren Times-Mirror and Observer Warren, Pennsylvania Monday, July 24, 1972 - Page 1
Fischer Forces Spassky To Resign In 6th Game
Reykjavik, Iceland (AP)—Bobby Fischer forced Soviet titleholder Boris Spassky to resign Sunday night on the 41st move of the sixth game in the world championship chess match, taking a one-point lead in the 24-game series.
Spassky's defeat was total.
The American challenger, playing white, risked an opening he had never before played—the “queen's gambit declined”—but which was familiar to the champion.
The 29-year-old Brooklyn chess whiz loaded on the pressure from the very first, attacking Spassky's weak kingside pawns and then slamming a devastating attack down the queenside.
Fischer leads Spassky 3½-2½ going into the seventh game, scheduled for Tuesday. A win counts one point and a draw one-half.
Since Fischer needs 12½ points to win the championship while Spassky needs 12 to retain his crown, the American could take the title by gaining draws in the remaining games. Fischer's style, however, has always been to play aggressively for the win rather than seeking a draw.
With 20 minutes possible playing time left after Fischer's 41st move Sunday, the title holder sat considering the position. Fischer leaned back in his swivel chair.
Suddenly, Spassky stopped his clock, extended his hand and it was over.
Fischer paused only to sign his score-sheet, then loped off the stage to the accompaniment of roars of applause.
Spassky remained on the stage for several minutes, talking to the referees. When he finally left, the crowd gave him a sympathetic hand.
The 35-year-old Russian looked forlorn and dejected.
