AThe Philadelphia Inquirer Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, July 31, 1972 - Page 7
Spassky Has Cold, Russians Say; Game Postponed
Reykjavik, Iceland (AP).—The Russians postponed Sunday's ninth game with Bobby Fischer for the international chess title, saying world champion Boris Spassky had a cold.
“It was not unexpected,” said Fred Cramer, Fischer's representative. “We expected Spassky to adjourn a week ago. That's what the Russians normally do when their man is below par and is losing rapidly.”
EXPERTS in Reykjavik for the world championship say Spassky has been playing poorly and without his usual confidence. He is down 3-5 in the 24-game match after an initial two-point lead.
Referee Lothar Schmid said a medical certificate was handed to him less than 30 minutes before the noon deadline for a postponement.
He added he expected the ninth game to be played Tuesday. Asked if they might request a further two-day postponement, the Russians replied they do not know.
&;ldquo;Spassky is not so well,” said Prof. Nikolai Krogious, one of the champion's seconds. He declined further comment.
Each player is entitled to three postponements in the course of the match.
After Spassky lost Thursday's eighth game, making what grandmasters said was a “beginner's mistake,” the Rev. William Lombardy, Fischer's second, predicted it was likely the Russian might not play Sunday.
“He needs to relax and get some fresh air,” Father Lombardy said. “I don't know what he will do, but I know what he should do.”
Fischer's play has been aggressive and imaginative. The Russian has made a series of blunders experts say is unprecedented in a player of his caliber.
