AThe Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, July 11, 1971 - Page 114
Fischer Wins First In Larsen Match
American chess ace Bobby Fischer started on the right track with a victory after a tense struggle in the first game of his match with Bent Larsen of Denmark.
Fischer thus continued the amazing winning streak he started by defeating Mark Taimanov of the Soviet Union by 6-0 in a previous match.
Playing in a new auditorium in Temple Buell College in Denver, Fischer started with his almost inevitable P-K4. Larsen surprised by adopting the French Defense, a stranger in his opening repertory.
Fischer developed rapidly and soon had control of several open lines. Trying for counter play in the center, Larsen delayed castling, which nearly proved fatal.
When Larsen accepted a pawn which Fischer offered, he faced a powerful onslaught. His king was forced to the third rank, a highly unusual sight so early in the game.
Fischer's attack faltered, however, and suddenly it was Larsen who had the initiative. He took possession of the center files, and after sacrificing two minor pieces for a rook, it was the white king that was in grave danger.
Fischer had to give up his queen, but evaded the threats to emerge in an ending with relatively equal material. A passed pawn on the queen side then started an advance.
This proved to be the key to victory. Larsen found he could not stop the pawn and resigned just before the end of the session.
The match, which is for the best in 10 games, is one of the semi-finals in the series to determine a challenger for world champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union.
The other match is being contested in Moscow between two Russians, former champion Tigran Petrosian and Victor Korchnoi. They have played two games at this writing, both resulting in draws.
