ANew York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, October 31, 1971 - Page 43
Finalist at Last
Fifteen years ago Bobby Fischer, sometimes called “enfant terrible” of American chess, set himself the goal of playing for the world title. Since those prodigy days in Brooklyn, Bobby, now a 28-year-old bachelor, has devoted virtually all his time to chess. He has risen to the top echelons of the game and is considered a hero in chess-conscious countries—if not his own. Last week, Bobby finally achieved his goal: He defeated Tigran Petrosian of Russia in a runoff match, earning the right to play the world champion, Boris Spassky of Russia. Bobby is the first American to reach the final step in the elimination series for the world championship. Of Bobby's victory, Mr. Spassky said he was “neither impressed nor surprised.”
