AThe York Dispatch York, Pennsylvania Friday, October 15, 1971 - Page 1
Chess Stalemate: Fischer, Petrosian Battle to 3rd Straight Tie
Buenos Aires (UPI) — Bobby Fischer of the United States failed again to crack former world champion Tigran Petrosian's defensive game. The two drew the fifth contest of their candidate's elimination match here.
The game ended in a draw at the 38th move when the Russian grandmaster accepted Fischer's offer. They now are tied at 2½ points apiece after five games.
Fischer won the opening game, Petrosian the second, and the next three ended in draws. The next confrontation is Sunday.
Winner of the 12-game series will play Russian world champion Boris Spassky for the crown next spring.
Fischer, playing white, launched his customary attack but Petrosian, world champion from 1963 to 1969, answered with a rarely-used Petroff defense—which seemed to stymie the American.
Fischer was not able to break through and by the 27th move the initiative had passed to the Russian.
However, four moves later, Petrosian offered a queen swap, taken by Fischer and the match headed for a draw, although the 42-year-old Russian had a pawn advantage.
On the 34th move, the Russian offered the draw but the 28-year-old Fischer, from New York City, refused.
However, Fischer reversed himself and offered the draw four moves later. The Armenian-born Russian immediately accepted.
By this time, they had exchanged every piece on the board except for their bishops and four pawns.
Petrosian at the end had only five minutes showing on his clock to reach the 40 moves required in 2½ hours.
