The Courier-Journal Louisville, Kentucky Sunday, August 15, 1971 - Page 13
The King's Men: Fischer Favored For Title, But There Are Dissenters by Merrill Dowden
What are Bobby Fischer's chances of becoming world chess champion in 1972?
I predicted in this column more than a decade ago that he would become world champion, and certainly nothing has happened in recent times to change that conviction. Indeed, many observers, dazzled by Bobby's unprecedented feat in defeating two grandmasters by a combined score of 12-0, are already acclaiming him as the inevitable successor to the chess throne now occupied by the Soviet Union's Boris Spassky.
Not all prophets share this view, however. One notable dissenter is the eminent English master and analyst, C.H. O'D. Alexander. ‘I would back Spassky to win,’ he was quoted in the British magazine, The Guardian. Alexander went on to hedge somewhat. “There is one word,” he added, “that may overthrow the most careful balancing of chances—genius. It may be that Fischer has this; that he is, as some people think, the greatest player the game has ever seen. And, if this is really so, a match against Spassky could bring out his full powers and then, not for the first time, your columnist will prove to be completely and hopelessly wrong.”
Of course, there is no certainly that such a match will even take place. Fischer must first defeat former world champion Tigran Petrosyan, also of the Soviet Union, in the finals of the world challenge series. This match will take place in September. For the record, let it be noted that Fischer played Petrosyan four games last year. He won the first two, and was content to draw the others.
