The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Friday, December 31, 1971 - Page 30
Canada Jumps Into Bidding Race for Fischer-Spassky Chess Match by Bill Rayner
Canada has entered into the bidding to host the world chess championship, it was learned today.
Phil Haley, president of the Canadian Chess Federation, confirmed in a telephone interview from Sarnia, Ontario., that the CFC is one of seven known national federations seeking the 24-game match between U.S. grandmaster Bobby Fischer and world champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union.
Haley said Canada's bid was submitted on behalf of Montreal. He felt Canada had a good chance, but would not reveal the amount of money guaranteed.
It is believed, however, that a minimum bid of $75,000 is needed, with the probable winning bid to exceed $100,000. The winner of the match would receive 62½ per cent of the purse, with 37½ per cent going to the loser.
Other countries known to have submitted bids are France, Iceland, Israel, Switzerland, Yugoslavia and The Netherlands. Others believed to be interested are Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Greece. Deadline for bids is midnight tonight.
If the highest bid is accepted by both Fischer and Spassky, France would be the probably winner. New York chess sources indicated that France has offered the two players a percentage of the gross income generated by a match in Paris.
This would include world TV, souvenir and publishing revenue, and could reach $1 million.
While Fischer has often stated that he is in chess for the money, his appearance in Vancouver last May could give Canada an edge. Fischer defeated Soviet grandmaster Mark Taimanov, 6-0, here in the opening challengers' competition match and has since shown a fondness for Canada.
He said in New York Thursday that he'd love to return to Canada and picks it as his second choice. His first choice is the U.S., but that country has not submitted a bid.
If it did, however, it is certain Spassky would veto it. The bidding competition works this way:
Interested countries submit bids to Amsterdam, headquarters of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), with copies to Fischer and Spassky.
The two players list their preferences. If the number one choice is the same, then the problem is solved. If the players can't get together by Feb. 1, then FIDE president Dr. Max Euwe will decide.
Each player would have one veto over Euwe's selection, but after that veto is cast, Euwe's decision would be final.
Fischer earned the right to meet Spassky with an elimination match victory over former world champion Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union. Spassky defeated Petrosian for the title in 1969.
The championship match is expected to begin in late June, 1972.
