State Champ to Analyze World Chess Match

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The Capital Times Madison, Wisconsin Friday, June 30, 1972 - Page 21

State Champ to Analyze World Chess Match by Peter Dorman
(Editor's Note: Peter Dorman, a U.W. graduate who now lives in Madison, is the Wisconsin state chess champion. He will contribute occasional articles to The Capital Times sports pages analyzing the world chess championship match that starts Sunday between Bobby Fischer of the U.S. and Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union.)
(Wisconsin State Chess Champion)
Sunday, July 2 is the scheduled beginning of the most dramatic contest in chess history: Bobby Fischer, former child prodigy whose play sometimes approaches absolute perfection, finally gets his crack at the world championship.
It's been a long time coming. Fischer first gained national attention in his early teens, when he won a spectacular game from Robert Byrne, one of America's best. Bobby, just 13 at the time, gave up his queen for a knight and a bishop in a long forced series of moves. A year later he won his first U.S. Championship.
Fischer's first stab at the world championship was back in 1958, when he was 15. With the death of the legendary Alexander Alekhine at the end of the Second World War, FIDE, the international chess federation, established a regular 3-year cycle for the world title. They divided the world into zones, each to hold its own championship. Then the top players would play in a worldwide interzonal tournament. The finalists from this event, plus the runners-up from the previous cycle. would compete in a candidates' tournament, and the winner of the final contest would play the reigning world champion in a 24-game match.

Mikhail Botvinnik, a Russian, became the world champion after a special tournament in 1948. He successfully defended his title against David Bronstein and Vassily Smyslov, both Russians, in 1951 and 1954. Botvinnik lost to Smyslov in 1957, but won his title back a year later in a return match.
Since the U.S. Championship suits as a zonal tournament, Fischer played in the 1958 interzonal. He qualified, but fell short in the candidates tournament, which was won by Mikhail Tal—another Russian. Tal's brilliant attacking style gave him the world championship in 1960, but Botvinnik took it back with another return match.
As the next cycle began, it looked like Fischer was destined to break the Soviet spell. He was regularly clobbering his rivals in the U.S., and he placed a clear first in the 1962 Stockholm interzonal. But he could only take fourth place in the candidates' tournament in Curacao that year, finishing behind three Russians.
This defeat provoked his famous charge that the Russians were “fixing” international chess. He claimed that they arranged to draw with each other, and then ganged up to defeat the only serious non-Russian challenger, Fischer.

There may be some truth to this accusation. Some of the games played between the Soviet masters show little indication of a fight; some games were drawn in the opening. But the real cause of Fischer's set-back was that the top Russian players could still beat him more often than he could beat them. Bobby was good, but not yet good enough.
Behind his public posturing, Fischer came to this conclusion himself. His appearances became less frequent; for a while, he disappeared altogether. He was boning up for a comeback.
Meanwhile, there was a new world champion, Tigran Petrosian. His was a bloodless style of chess, relying on slow maneuvering. He rarely took any risks. He rarely lost. In addition, FIDE, acting on a recommendation of Fischer's, scrapped the candidates' tournament and replaced it with a series of elimination matches.
Then Fischer came back. With one victory after another, he seemed to be on his way to the top. But he got into a personal quarrel with the directors of the Interzonal tournament in Tunisia in 1967 over scheduling questions. Even though he was far ahead of the rest of the field, Bobby dropped out. Before long, he was in seclusion once again.

Fischer surfaced in 1970 to play in a team match that pitted the best players from the Soviet Union against the best from all the other countries combined. By this time, Petrosian had lost his title to Boris Spassky, but it was Petrosian that Fischer played. Bobby won two games and drew the other two, a decisive victory against the former world champion.
Then Fischer took the interzonal tournament at Palma De
(Continued on 2nd Sports Page)

Chess Match
(Continued from Page 1, Sports)
Mallorca, winning the last seven games in a row and finishing far ahead of everyone else. Then the elimination matches: Fischer plays Mark Taimanov, a leading Russian master, and wins six out of six. Next in line was Bent Larsen, second only to Fischer among non-Soviet players. Again, Bobby wins six out of six. Finally, Fischer faces Petrosian again, and, after a shaky start, takes the match with five wins, one loss, and three draws. These scores are particularly impressive in view of the fact that most games between the strongest players end in draws.

Now only one player stands between Fischer and the world championship: Boris Spassky. The world champion has done well against Fischer in the past: of the five games they have played, Spassky has won three and drawn two. So far, just pulling together the details of the match has been a formidable problem. Fischer wanted to play in Belgrade, Yugoslavia where he is idolized by thousands in that chess-crazy country. Belgrade had also put in the highest bid, offering cash prizes of $152,000, an unprecedented figure in tournament chess. Spassky wanted to play in Reykjavik, Iceland, where the climate is similar to that of the champion's native Leningrad.
The FIDE decision was a compromise: half of the match in Belgrade, the other half in Reykjavik. But Fischer got into a dispute with the Belgrade organizers, and the Yugoslavs pulled out. Now the entire match is slated for Iceland, with the total prize fund slightly under $100,000.
The best-of-24 game match is due to begin Sunday. Spassky is in Reykjavik, accompanied by his official “second”, Evim Geller. (In the past, Spassky's second has always been the veteran Bondarevsky. The switch is said to be caused by “difficulties”. What are they? The Russians aren't talking.) Two other companions are chess experts Krogius and Nei. Nei is also a psychologist.
Fischer complains about the lighting, which was installed to facilitate the television crews from different countries.
As of now, the match is officially on. but no one knows for sure if Fischer will blow his big chance by refusing to play at the last moment. If he does play, millions of chess fans around the world will see ten years of suspense resolved in a two-month display of unparalleled mental combat.

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Fischer Has Dreams of World's Chess Title

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Courier-Post Camden, New Jersey Friday, June 30, 1972 - Page 12

Fischer Has Dreams of World's Chess Title By Ian Westergren
Reykjavik (UPI)—Bobby Fischer's big dream comes true Sunday when he sits down at the checkered board to play world chess champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union.
The American chess genius considers the 24-game world championship match a mere formality.
He has said time and again that if he just gets a shot at the 35-year-old champion, he is certain of defeating him.
Ever since he learned to play chess in Brooklyn at the age of six, the lanky American grand master, now 29, has cherished one big dream —to become the world champion in the oldest and most sophisticated of games.
If he succeeds—and there are many experts who believe he will—he will become the second American world champion in the long history of chess and the first non-Russian to rule as champion since Max Euwe of the Netherlands held the title briefly in the 1930s.
He would also pocket five-eighths of the prize money, which totals $125,000. The money was put up by the Icelandic government and the city of Reykjavik to win the right to stage the match in this unlikeliest of settings—on an island in the storm-tossed North Atlantic.
To Fischer, chess comes first. But money follows closely behind and the question of money almost ruined the championship.
Eight cities offered to stage the match: The International Chess Federation (FIDE), now run by Euwe, asked the two players to select their candidate cities. Spassky picked Reykjavik, Fischer picked Belgrade, Yugoslavia, which offered $43,000 more than Iceland.

TV Rights
FIDE then decided to compromise, playing 12 games in Belgrade and 12 in Reykjavik. Fischer objected and said he and Spassky should also get the money from the TV rights.
In the end, Belgrade organizers got tired and made a request ([an illegal demand which the USCF refused to pay]) for a guarantee of $30,000 to ensure that Fischer would turn up.
Finally FIDE presented an ultimatum to Fischer: Accept Reykjavik or lose the right to a world championship match.
At that stage, with his big dream threatened, Fischer agreed to the conditions offered by the Icelandic Chess Federation. The Icelanders, although there are only 200,000 of them, are chess-mad and the organizers say they are assured of sellout crowds of 5,000 in the Laugardals-Hoellin indoor sports arena.

Leaves Games
The crowd is another potential cause of trouble with the American challenger, who has been known to leave games because the noise of the crowd irritated him.
Fischer and Spassky, at a chess board made of white and green Icelandic stones and seated in specially constructed chairs, will be placed on the stage in the hall.
The organizers, aware of Fischer's hot temper, first suggested that a glass wall be erected between the players and the crowd. But Fischer rejected the proposal.
Other things which have come under fire from Fischer are the lighting and the ventilation in the hall and the choice of German grand master Lothar Schmid as umpire.

24 Games
However, Icelandic chess officials are satisfied that Fischer will accept the arrangements. They were not even worried when Fischer abruptly decided to change his arrival date. “We are satisfied he will be here in time,” they said.
The games will be played Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with adjourned games being finished on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The match is scheduled for 24 games, but as is customary in world championship play, the remaining games will be canceled when one of the two has reached 12.5 points or more. The players get one point for a win and half a point for a draw.
To retain his title, Spassky needs only 12 points—a draw. To win the title, Fischer will have to score 12.5 points or more.
Under the FIDE rules, Fischer and Spassky must make 40 moves in two and a half hours. If the game is still undecided then, it will be adjourned and finished later with both required to make 16 moves an hour. A player running out of time forfeits the game.
While Fischer has predicted an easy victory, Spassky has refused to speculate about the match.
Spassky, who won the title in 1969 from fellow countryman Tigran Petrosian, is the favorite of Danish grand master Bent Larsen.
Larsen, who was defeated by Fischer in the elimination for the Reykjavik match and served as Fischer's adviser at one time, feels Spassky's experience from two previous world championship games and his better nerves will be decisive.

Aggressive Player
“Fischer is a genius, an aggressive player who fights as long as there is a pawn left on the board,” Larsen said. “But if I have to pick a favorite, I would pick Spassky because of his routine and better nerve control.”
Spassky has paid tribute to Fischer, whom he described as “a remarkable chess player. Without him the world of chess would be very dull.”
While Fischer goes on attack to win every game and is thrown off balance by a draw, Spassky has proved in previous matches that he can come back from a series of drawn games to score decisive wins.
They have met five times before, with Spassky winning three games and drawing two.
But the Russian, who leads a comfortable life on his earnings as a professional chess player, agrees that Fischer has got more fire.
Spassky told Western correspondents he would rather be at home in Moscow with his family and friends “sharing some wine and playing chess for fun” than competing for the world title in Reykjavik.
To Fischer chess is almost everything, and Spassky says he does not understand his obsession. “I would like to teach Bobby that there are other things than chess in life.”

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Chess Matches

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News-Journal Mansfield, Ohio Tuesday, June 13, 1972 - Page 6

Chess Matches
Q — When is the contest for the world chess title to be? I think it's to be the United States's Bobby Fischer against the Russian Boris Spassky. — K. J., Walker Lake Rd.

A — No definite date has been set, but the matches are to start no later than June 25. Watch the papers for the date. Belgrade, Yugoslavia, will host 12 games and Reyjavik, Iceland will host the other 12.

Chess Matches Tue, Jun 13, 1972 – 6 · News-Journal (Mansfield, Ohio) · Newspapers.com

Chess Champs Stalemated?

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Daily News New York, New York Sunday, June 11, 1972 - Page 152

Chess Champs Stalemated?
By Robert Byrne
FAR AND AWAY, some of the most intricate and dazzling moves in the world championship chess match between the incumbent Soviet king, Boris Spassky, and the clean-cut American challenger, Bobby Fischer, have already been played—and the match doesn't even start until three weeks from today.
These are the off-board maneuvers involving where and under what conditions Boris and Bobby will duel with their kings, queens, castles and whatnot.
There's been a five-months hassle involving the International Chess Federation, the U.S. Chess Federation and some of the biggest people in Yugoslavia. Repercussions have been felt as far away as Sarajevo, cockpit of WWI, where there was reckless talk of locating the match, and Grossinger's deep in the Catskills, where the 29-year-old Bobby has been getting into condition like the pugs who occasionally work out there.
At this writing—and the italicized this is very important—plans call for Boris and Bobby to meet in beautiful downtown Reykjavik, beginning July 2. Iceland hasn't known this much excitement since the last time the international iceberg watchers tossed a convention there.

Superbowl Superhassle
But wait! There's some disquieting news about this Superbowl of Chess from Belgrade where the first half of the match had originally been scheduled to he held. Belgrade backed out of the deal after the U.S. Chess Federation failed to come up with a $38,000 guarantee that Fischer would show for the match.
“The refusal of the U.S. Chess Federation to give the guarantee is evident proof that they also are not certain that Fischer will play the title match with Spassky,” a 50-page “White Book” charges.
The document was issued by “Chess Informant,” a magazine, and the Yugoslav Export Bank, who had been the scheduled angels of the title match and originally put up $152,000 prize money for the bout.
The “White Book” reprinted a series of cables between Bobby and Belgrade after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) had already agreed on financial arrangements for the match.

Fischer's Move, Financially
“I will not abide by them (the arrangements),” Fischer is quoted as cabling the Belgrade organizers. “Unless you agree that all monies over your total expenses to the match go to me and the Russians, I will not play your match in Yugoslavia.”
Later, ([Earlier, April 05, 1972 : https://www.nytimes.com/1972/04/05/archives/fischer-announces-he-is-ready-to-play-for-the-world-title.html, “Fischer denied that he ever intended not to appear for the match against Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union and said he was sorry about any misunderstandings that might have arisen.” The cable was received Monday night by the International Chess Federation]) allegedly hurled another defi. “Your financial offer is out of the question and I will not play Spassky in Belgrade.”
This refusal, the “White Book” said, “endangered the seriousness of the whole match. Having shown our maximum patience and willingness … we could only state that all real possibilities to organize the match in Belgrade from June 22 to July 18 had been exhausted.”
Ironically, the Reykjavik organizers apparently were slower to react to Fischer's demands—and they ended up with the entire match for less money than they had originally offered. Under their bid, the winner will get $78,125 out of a $125,000 purse, and the loser will get the rest.
This is possibly the first championship chess match in history where the arrangements have overshadowed the players, so now for a word about Bobby and Boris.
It was just 15 years ago that a schoolboy aged 14, clad in dungarees, tee shirt and sneakers, strode wet-nosed into the Manhattan Chess Club—and won the first of his eight U.S. championships. The Dizzy Dean of the chess world, Bobby has often awarded himself the title of “unofficial world champion” during the past 10 years and he hasn't been hesitant to charge that the Russians—who are to chess what Great Britain is to cricket—have “cheated at their national pastime.”
According to Bobby, their team has played for draws against each other while going for the kill when pitted against Western grandmasters. At the last two world championships, which are only held every three years, he went on strike.
At the 1968 Chess Olympiad, officials rejected his demands for better playing conditions, and he stormed out. He even announced his retirement “to plot my revenge,” but after leisurely second thought, rejoined active competition in a year and a half, now with a “sense of mission.”
To get a crack at Spassky, Bobby swept through three preliminary matches. He eliminated a Soviet and a Danish opponent, each by 6-0, and at the exalted grandmaster level of competition, such shutouts are unheard of. Then he tackled Tigran Petrosian, the wily Armenian, who has been hailed as the greatest defensive player in the 400-year record history of chess.
Under Bobby's attack, Tigran's defenses crumbled and he lost Mission definitely accomplished.

Russia's Rule Threatened
Now, with the upcoming 24 - game match with Spassky, Bobby Fischer is threatening the Soviet's 23 unbroken years of world chess supremacy. And Bobby, no doubt about it, is the most aggressive title challenger in chess history—and the Russians realize it.
I was in Moscow when Spassky was warming up for Bobby by taking part in the Alekhine Memorial Tournament. Bobby had been invited too, but declined. Presumably, he didn't want to give away any of the new opening secrets he intends to spring on Spassky.
Most comments from Spassky's friends sounded more like a farewell to a doomed man. The most enthusiastic came from former world champion Mikhail Tal and all he said was. “Bobby won't have it so easy with Spassky.”
Spassky himself was so preoccupied with thoughts of Bobby that he had difficulty in concentrating on the opponent across the board from him. As a result, Petrosian, whom Spassky defeated for the title in 1969, gave the absentminded master a drubbing in their game.
However, Spassky, by and large, is a relaxed, easy-going person with an approach to chess which he describes as “contemplative.” He also has a fine sense of humor and his pantomimes of his fellow grandmasters are hilarious.
At the same time, while he may disclaim Fischer's wolf-like ferocity, he's no quitter. You just don't get to the top in world chess without fantastic competitive drive. Spassky has has a reputation for being able to bounce back after a loss, which is something few of his colleagues can manage.
Contrasted to Bobby's total absorption in the game, Spassky seems almost lazy in studying the latest opening wrinkles. He spends only three or four hours a day on them. But he has the support of a great team working for him, whereas Fischer does his analysis by himself.
When Bobby was tackling Petrosian, in fact, Larry Evans, his second, left for his home in Nevada two-thirds of the way through the match. Evans, three-time U.S. champion and author of the latest edition of modern chess openings, just wasn't being used.
By contrast, Spassky has such brilliant helpers as grandmaster Igor Bondarevsky, long retired from active play but the presiding spirit of the Spassky team, Reportedly, Bondarevsky was responsible for the choice of defenses that Boris used so successfully against Petrosian in winning the championship match. And, though he is one of Spassky's formidable rivals, Efim Geller gives his services to the team.
During competition, Spassky relaxes in the same manner as Fischer, keeping in top physical condition by running, swimming and playing tennis and soccer. For intellectual relaxation, he has a weakness for American science fiction.
Can Bobby take him? I am already on record as predicting that Fischer will beat Spassky to become the first American World Champion since Paul Morphy the U.S. chess genius of a century ago.
But, please! Just don't ask me one thing—will the match really come off now without further hassling?

“…allegedly hurled another defi…”
- Robert Byrne. (So easy to print copies of authentic telegraphs, don't you think? rather than all this evasive hearsay.)
al·leg·ed·ly; (adverb) used to convey that something is claimed to be the case or have taken place, although there is no proof. [Definition from Oxford Languages]

“I will not abide by them (the arrangements),” Fischer is quoted as cabling the Belgrade organizers."

“Quoted”? Byrne does not say, “Fischer said,” as in looking at an actual photograph of a telegram, Byrne says, “Fischer is quoted as cabling. . .” Surely original photocopies, along with verification from the telegraph agency are provided? All that comes to my mind, is those certain “Old Hands” Ken Smith predicted were hard at work, to disqualify and replace Fischer.

After reading Ken Smith's testimony (cited by several chess columnists, who mention he is ready to provide actual...

Posted by Bobby Fischer's True History on Saturday, March 6, 2021

Reverted to Draft

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Iceland Named For Chess Titles on July 2

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The Sydney Morning Herald Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Thursday, May 04, 1972 - Page 8

Iceland Named For Chess Titles on July 2
Reykjavik, (Iceland), Wednesday. — The long-delayed world chess championship between the Soviet title-holder, Boris Spassky and the American player, Bobby Fischer, will begin in Reykjavik on July 2, if the two contenders agree.
Mr Gudmundur Thorarinsson, president of Iceland's Chess Federation, announced tonight that he had accepted an offer today from the International Chess Federation president, Dr Max Euwe, to hold the entire 24-game contest in Reykjavik.
If either player refused, he would be disqualified, he said.
The contest was originally to have been held in two stages — the first 12 games in Belgrade in June and 12 more in Reykjavik.
But Yugoslavia withdrew after Fischer had sought a larger financial share, including television and film fees. Since the problems over a location arose, offers to stage the contest have been made by Australia, Holland, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Derryn Hinch, “Herald” correspondent, reports from New York:
The United States Chess Federation has come out in favor of holding the championship in Sydney.
The federation's executive director, Colonel Edmund Edmondson, said in New York yesterday that Sydney was “far and away the best offer” to stage the competition.
He was referring to a Sydney syndicate's offer of $225,000 to stage the championship in Australia.
Col. Edmondson said Dr. Euwe “in his wisdom will no doubt have to reconsider the announcement he has just made [offering the whole match to Iceland] in view of the offer earlier today from Sydney.”
Auckland, Wednesday. — The Sydney syndicate seeking to stage a world chess championship in Australia considers its offer still open. The syndicate head, Mr. Linden Prowse, said this tonight after hearing details of a report that Reykjavik, Iceland, was to be the location.

Fischer Warned Play In Iceland or Else

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The San Bernardino County Sun San Bernardino, California Thursday, May 04, 1972 - Page 31

Fischer Warned Play In Iceland or Else
Amsterdam (UPI)—Max Euwe, president of the international Chess Federation (FIDE), announced yesterday he has picked Reykjavik, Iceland, as the site for the world championship chess match between the Soviet Union's Boris Spassky and his American challenger, Robert (Bobby) Fischer.
Euwe said the 24-match series would start July 2 and offer as prize money $125,000 split 60 per cent for the winner and 46 per cent for the loser.
He said he had asked the contenders for their confirmation by May 6.
Euwe said he took the decision after the Reykjavik sponsors advised him they were ready to organize the complete match under their original offer which they filed with the world federation in December last year.
Euwe said discussions about “possible other financial aspects” would he exclusively held by him and the organizers.
He said he reminded the American federation that Fischer, of Brooklyn, N.Y., would be deprived of his challenger rights if he refused to play.
All other national federations which offered to organize the first leg were informed the match would he played at Reykjavik, he said. They were Mexico, Canada, Australia and Yugoslavia.
He said if it would be impossible to play at Reykjavik for some reason, he would first look for another organizer in Europe. Only thereafter would bids from outside Europe be taken into consideration.
The original arrangement made under auspices of FIDE was that the first leg would he played at Belgrade, Fischer's original choice, and the second leg at Reykjavik, Spassky's choice.
The Belgrade sponsors backed out when they were faced with new financial demands from Fischer and they felt they had no solid guarantees he would play under the original arrangement. ([Euwe knew as well as Edmondson, the Belgrade demand for a 35k “guarantee” was not in the contract, therefore illegal. Euwe knew Fischer did not twist the arms of Belgrade organizers to withdraw, anymore than Reykjavik withdrew. While away on his tour, Euwe was enthusiastic with the possibility of Australia acting as tournament host, perhaps… Euwe praised the offer by Mexico for offering the “highest purse” which Australia would later beat, all this and more, while away on tour. Euwe returns to Europe, to find Soviet delegates breathing down his back. Euwe does an about face, calls off his recent open bidding invitation, opting to do things the “Soviet Way”. News reports now become sullen and threatening. One might perceive Euwe's changeability as “erratic”.)]

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Iceland Agrees To Host World Chess Championship

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The Fresno Bee The Republican Fresno, California Wednesday, May 03, 1972 - Page 18

Iceland Agrees To Host World Chess Championship
Reykjavik, Iceland (AP) —Iceland has agreed to stage the world chess championship between America's Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union starting July 2, the Icelandic Chess Federation announced.
Chairman Gudmundur Thorarinsson said the proposal of the International Chess Federation to hold the 24-game championship here was accepted, provided both players come here soon to complete arrangements.
Chess officials have said Fischer will lose his right to challenge Spassky for the world crown if he does not accept the world federation's latest proposal. Earlier plans to start the matches in Belgrade in June collapsed over Fischer's demands for a share of the profits in addition to the prize money.

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Iceland Site For World Chess Crown

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The Pittsburgh Press Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Wednesday, May 03, 1972 - Page 9

Iceland Site For World Chess Crown
Reykjavik, Iceland (UPI) — The Icelandic Chess Federation announced yesterday it has agreed to stage the entire 24-game world chess championship match between Bobby Fisher of the United States and world champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union.
Gudmunder Thorarinsson, president of the federation, told UPI he telephoned his offer yesterday to Max Euwe, president of the International Chess Federation.
He said the organizers had guaranteed the two players $125,000 each for playing all 24 games in Reykjavik, starting July 2.
Originally Fisher and Spassky would have played 12 games in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, and the remaining 12 games in Reykjavik.
Thorarinsson said the two players would be quartered at one of the capital's three main hotels and the match would be staged in Reykjavik's main sport hall.

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Chess Negotiations

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Journal and Courier Lafayette, Indiana Tuesday, May 02, 1972 - Page 34

Chess Negotiations
Amsterdam, Netherlands (AP) — Negotiations on the site and date of the world chess championship match between title holder Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union and his U.S. challenger Bobby Fischer will be handled from now on by World Chess Federation President Dr. Max Euwe.
“Now that Fischer has made the Amsterdam agreement and the staging of the match in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, impossible, the financial aspects of the title match will be handled by the FIDE,” a spokesman said. FIDE is the federation.
Under the Amsterdam agreement, it was decided to play half of the 24 title games in Belgrade and the other half in Reykjavik, Iceland. Belgrade backed out, however, after Fischer demanded a share in the profits above the $138,000 offered as prize money. The spokesman said FIDE will now try to have the entire match staged in Reykjavik, beginning June 22.

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World Chess Match Site Selection Ready

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Courier-Post Camden, New Jersey Tuesday, May 02, 1972 - Page 17

World Chess Match Site Selection Ready
Amsterdam (UPI) — Max Euwe, president of the International Chess Federation, said Monday he would make a final decision on the world championship match of Bobby Fischer of the United States and Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union within the next few days.
“I have just returned from a chess-promoting world trip. Tuesday, I will check all information with my secretariat,” he said. I have already made up my mind about a line of action. I will make a final decision within the next few days. The affair has been going on already too long.”
At a meeting in Amsterdam, March 20, representatives of the two players and of the Soviet, American, Yugoslav and Icelandic federations agreed on a procedure for the 24-match series.
The first leg was scheduled to start June 22 in Belgrade and the second leg would be played in Reykjavik.
The two cities offer prize money of $138,000 of which 62.5 per cent would go to the winner and 37.5 per cent to the loser.
The Belgrade sponsors backed out after Fischer wanted more money. The international federation received various offers to take over, including one from Reykjavik to organize the complete match.
The Soviet federation has demanded that Euwe should accept the Reykjavik offer and force Fischer to do so too under the threat he would be deprived of his challenging rights.
An Australian syndicate made a $226,000 bid Monday for the world chess championship between Spassky and Fischer to be played in Sydney. The bid was announced by Linden Prowse, a businessman who declined to name the members of the syndicate. They cabled the offer to Amsterdam.

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Iceland picked as single site for chess meet

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The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Tuesday, May 02, 1972 - Page 5

Iceland picked as single site for chess meet
Reuter
Amsterdam — Dr. Max Euwe, chairman of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), announced here today the Federation will try to make Iceland the location for the entire world chess championship between title-holder Boris Spassky of Russia and American challenger Bobby Fischer.
Euwe said in a communique that countries outside Europe would not be considered for the time being.
The first half of the world championship was originally due to have been played in Belgrade in June, with the second half fixed for Reykjavik, Iceland.
But Yugoslavia withdrew when financial guarantees were not forthcoming from the Americans after Fischer had sought a larger financial share, including television and film fees.

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Sarajevo to Open Play In World Chess Match

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The Windsor Star Windsor, Ontario, Canada Saturday, April 29, 1972 - Page 6

Sarajevo to Open Play In World Chess Match
By David Spurr
Belgrade (UPI) — Promoters in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, said Friday they have “replied favorably” to an International Chess Federation (FIDE) offer to play host to the first leg of a world championship match between Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union and his American challenger Robert (Bobby) Fischer.
But the organizers said they could not longer offer the $120,000 originally bid for the match more than two months ago.
“The previous conditions are out of the question.” a director of the huge Skenderija sports palace said. “We are now under more financial pressure and the entire situation has been complicated.” he said.
“We replied favorably to an offer from FIDE President Max Euwe asking us if we could stage the first part of the Fischer-Spassky match,” he said. “We are now waiting for Fide's answer.”
An FIDE spokesman said Friday any proposals for organizing the first leg of the championship matches would have to await Euwe's return to Amsterdam next week from a chess-promoting world tour.
Sarajevo was turned down earlier in favor of a match split into two phases in Belgrade and Reykjavik, Iceland. Belgrade backed out late last month when Fischer, of Brooklyn, N.Y.. refused to agree on financial arrangements with organizers in the Yugoslav capital.

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Mexicans Seek Chess

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The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Saturday, April 29, 1972 - Page 2

Mexicans Seek Chess
Amsterdam (AP) — Mexico made a bid today to host the world chess championship between Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union and challenger Bobby Fischer of the United States.
A World Chess Federation (FIDE) spokesman said the Mexican Chess Federation had offered the highest purse yet — $175,000 — for the privilege of staging the 24-match contest in Mexico.
But the Mexicans said they would need a firm guarantee that both contestants would show up for the 24-game contest.
Iceland already has told FIDE it is willing to stage the entire event in Reykjavik.
Under an earlier agreement, half of the match was to be played in Reykjavik and the other half in Belgrade. But Belgrade backed out after Fischer demanded a share in the profits above the $138,000 offered.
The Yugoslav city of Sarajevo has said it is also willing to stage the contest.
The Soviet Chess Federation representing Spassky has told FIDE that it favors Iceland for the match. Fischer's views are unknown.

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Seeks Chess Match in Australia

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Kenosha News Kenosha, Wisconsin Friday, April 28, 1972 - Page 1

Seeks Chess Match in Australia
Sydney (UPI) — James Mason, a Melbourne entrepreneur, today offered to put up $122,000 to stage the first leg of the world chess championship in Australia between Bobby Fischer of the United States and Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union.
The offer was cabled to Prof. Max Euwe, president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Amsterdam. If accepted the match would take place in Melbourne, a chess official here said today.
Belgrade organizers backed out of their original agreement to hold the match there when Fischer demanded a larger share of the profits from the match.

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Game Within a Game

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Daily News New York, New York Friday, April 28, 1972 - Page 120

Game Within a Game
Belgrade, April 27 (UPI)—The International Chess Federation has contacted four European cities in its search for a host for the first part of the world championship match between challenger Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky, Bozidar Kazic, secretary of the Yugoslav Chess Federation, said today. He sent telegrams to organizers in Paris; Reykjavik, Iceland; Dortmund, West Germany; and Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. The second part of the match is scheduled for Reykjavik. The first part was originally slated for Belgrade, but organizers there backed out last month when Fischer reportedly said he wanted a larger share of the profits.
—
Moscow, April 27 (AP)—The Soviet Chess Federation said today “The Chess Federation of the USSR warns that it will not support the intentions of the international president to arrange another round of talks and search for a venue of the match.”

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Reykjavik Makes Chess Bid

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The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Friday, April 28, 1972 - Page 18

Reykjavik Makes Chess Bid
Amsterdam (UPI) — Reykjavik is willing to organize both legs of the world chess championship match between Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union and U.S. challenger Bobby Fischer, an international chess spokesman said Thursday.
This solution would be in line with the Soviet Chess Federation's demand to get out of the stalemate on the venue for the first 12 championship games.
Originally the first leg of the 24-game series was to be played in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, and the second leg in Reykjavik. Belgrade organizers backed out early this month when faced with additional financial demands from Fischer.
“Reykjavik told us they would seriously try to organize the first leg too, provided both Spassky and Fischer guarantee they would play the complete match there,” the FIDE spokesman said.
In a cable to FIDE, the Soviet federation Wednesday demanded the complete series be staged in Reykjavik.
The cable also said the Soviet Union would not support efforts by FIDE President Max Euwe to find another site for the first leg.

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Puerto Rico Bids For World Chess Match

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The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Thursday, April 27, 1972 - Page 42

Puerto Rico Bids For World Chess Match
Kuala Lumper, Malaysia (Reuter) — Puerto Rico has offered to be host for the much-disputed chess match between world champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union and his American challenger, Bobby Fischer, Max Euwe, International Chess Federation president said here Wednesday.
Euwe said Puerto Rico's offer was made in a telephone call to him while he was in Singapore recently.
The contest was to have been played in two stages, first in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, beginning June 22, and next in Reykjavik, Iceland. But after disagreements over fees and venues for the match, Yugoslavia announced two weeks ago it would not stage the first half in Belgrade.
Euwe said Wednesday: “If it is impossible to hold the whole match in Europe, I will consider Puerto Rico.”
Meanwhile, in Sarnia, Ont., Phil Haley, president of the Chess Federation of Canada, said the Canadian group has resubmitted a bid made last year to hold the first 12 games of the match in Montreal, beginning before July 1.
He said in an interview that the Canadian federation had made the offer in writing to the International Chess Federation, but has received no answer.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, Tass reported today the Soviet Chess Federation insists the match must be held in Iceland.
Tass said the Soviet organization, speaking for the champion, had conveyed this to the federation in a telegram Wednesday.
“The Chess Federation of the USSR warns that it will not support the intentions of the president Max Euwe of Holland to arrange for another round of talks and search for a venue of the match,” Tass reported.

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Puerto Rico Bids For Chess

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The Sydney Morning Herald Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Wednesday, April 26, 1972 - Page 4

Puerto Rico Bids For Chess
Singapore, Tuesday.
— Puerto Rico has offered to be host for the world chess championships between defending champion Boris Spassky, of the Soviet Union, and Bobby Fischer, of the United States.
This follows Yugoslavia's withdrawal of its offer to stage the first half of the championships.
The Puerto Rican offer was made by radio telephone this morning to the president of the International Chess Federation, Dr Max Euwe, who is now in Singapore.
Puerto Rico offered to be host for either the full championships or either half of the championships.
The 24-game final is scheduled to be held in two 12-game matches.
Iceland is still prepared to stage half the series, despite the uncertainty over Fischer's refusal to play until certain conditions are changed.
Dr Euwe said that he would not be able to decide on a site for the games until he returned to Amsterdam in the next few days.
(AAP)

Soviet Propaganda: Still Stalemated

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The Philadelphia Inquirer Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, April 24, 1972 - Page 10

Soviet Propaganda: Still Stalemated
Organizers of the world chess championship between Bobby Fischer of the U. S. and Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union are having as much trouble finding financial backing as the organizers of the Republican national convention in San Diego had. Belgrade sponsors demanded a financial guarantee that Fischer would play in that Yugoslavian capital, then backed out when they couldn't get it. Now Amsterdam chess officials say that even if they could get an assurance that Fischer and Spassky would play there, they can't find sponsors to put up the approximately $160,000 needed. We don't suppose, at this particular time, it would do much good to inquire at the International Telephone and Telegraph Corp.?

Soviet Propaganda: Still Stalemated Mon, Apr 24, 1972 – Page 10 · The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.com

The match certainly could find financial backers. Foremost, as pointed out by Edmondson, head of the U.S. Federation, the “guarantee” was illegal. Further, generous bids to host the first half of the games were forthcoming from Mexico, Australia, Canada . . . with more to come.