AThe Atlanta Constitution Atlanta, Georgia Thursday, October 28, 1971 - Page 84
American to Become Champ, Atlanta Chess Fans by Gene Ray
Atlanta area chess enthusiasts are elated over the victory by Bobby Fischer over Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union and are predicting the American will be the next world champion.
Fischer, a lanky New York bachelor, gained the right to play Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union and current world champion, by defeating Petrosian for the fourth consecutive time Tuesday night.
The game gave Fischer 6½ points and the victory in a scheduled 12-game match.
The 28-year-old high school dropout will play Spassky in April or May of next year at a neutral site yet to be chosen.
Steve Smith, president of the Atlanta Chess Club, said Wednesday the 100 members of the club were “very enthusiastic” about the victory and that he believes Fischer will win in the spring championship.
“We all feel Bobby Fischer is the best and won't have any trouble with Spassky,” Smith said. “I look for the championship match to go about like the Petrosian match did.”
