AThe York Dispatch York, Pennsylvania Monday, October 25, 1971 - Page 1
Fischer Chess Hero: Virtually Assured Chance at World Championship
Buenos Aires (UPI) — Playing brilliant chess, America's Bobby Fischer virtually assured himself of a chance at the world championship by defeating former titleholder Tigran Petrosian in the eighth game of their candidate's match.
Fischer, 28, forced the 42-year-old Russian into concession at the 41st move and took a 5-1-2 to 2-1-2 point lead after eight games. He needs 6½ points—one more win or two draws—to beat Petrosian and earn the right to meet current world champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union for the title.
The ninth game is scheduled Tuesday. The match originally was scheduled for 12 games but can end when one player amasses 6½ points.
Fischer, playing black, turned a variated Tarrasch defense into a vigorous attack after the middle exchanges.
Petrosian, world champion from 1963 until 1969 when Spassky won the title from him, was practically helpless in the face of black's attack.
The American-born Russian was not able to launch a single attack at his opponent's king during the entire game.
Petrosian finally resigned with the American's queen and rook bearing down on his king, which was being defended by similar pieces.
Fischer, who has played flawless chess the last three games, had Petrosian in an indefensible position and mate was a matter of time.
At the end, Fischer had four pawns in addition to his queen and rook, one in a position to eventually promote.
Petrosian had his queen, a rook and three pawns left.
Petrosian left the theatre looking downcast.
Fischer smiled at the ovation given him by the crowd.
