AThe Arizona Republic Phoenix, Arizona Friday, October 01, 1971 - Page 15
Chess Semifinal Begins
Buenos Aires (AP)—Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union and American Bobby Fischer opened their 12-game chess match yesterday afternoon to determine who will be the challenger for the world's championship.
Fischer, with the white, and the first move. Petrosian, 42, then initiated the Sicilian defense, seeking to disorient this 28-year-old opponent.
The winner of the month-long series will meet world champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union.
Games are being played at the San Martin Theatre in downtown Buenos Aires.
Earlier yesterday, Fischer and Petrosian visited President Alejandro A. Janusse, who made them a present of two onyx chessboards.
Fischer later described the chessboards as “really fantastic.”
The Russian player said he didn't consider himself unlucky for having to play the opening game with the black pieces.
“I'm not a racist,” he said. “Black or white are all alike for me.”
When asked if he expected to play all the scheduled 12 games, Petrosian said: “I might win before that.”
