The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, October 24, 1971 - Page 134
Chess: Fischer Wins Two In Petrosian Match
Winning the sixth and seventh games in succession, U.S. chess ace Bobby Fischer took a commanding lead of 4½ to 2½ in his match with former world chess champion Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union.
Fischer clearly outplayed his rival in both games, showing for the first time in the match the devastating force and accuracy that had previously given him a record 20 straight victories.
The fifth game had been drawn, leaving the score even. At this stage, however, it seems virtually certain that Fischer will clinch the match within the 12 games scheduled. He needs a total of 6½ points.
The fifth game was a disappointment to Fischer's adherents. The 28-year-old American had the better of the opening, and seemed to be making progress when he established a passed pawn.
Petrosian was well prepared for the maneuver, however, and soon showed that the pawn was vulnerable. After some exchanges, the game simplified into an even ending, with no prospects for either side.
This was the third draw in succession, and it seemed that Petrosian was in control of the match. In previous encounters the Armenian had also drawn most of his games, waiting for the chance to score one big point.
Fischer had grown accustomed to a series of wins against the strongest competition, but could get nowhere here. Either he had lost his touch, or Petrosian, who at 42 had presumably seen his best days, was bad in his championship form.
The sixth game was another story. Petrosian with the white pieces played a surprisingly backward opening apparently inviting Fischer to move in for the attack.
Fischer accommodated him by a steady advance in the center, which he dominated with his pawns and pieces. He proceeded quietly preparing for movement on either side if a weakness developed.
Petrosian seemed to have no plan, shuffling his men behind his own lines. He would probably have been content with another peaceful conclusion.
The first break came when Petrosian exchanged pawns on the 19th move. This opened lines which proved more useful for Fischer. One result was that Fischer had a strong center passed pawn, which could become very dangerous.
Petrosian also had a passed pawn, on the queen rook file, but it was exposed, and eventually feel when Fischer's king entered the game.
The game was adjourned after the 41st move, for the first time in the match. The ending still required very exact tactics, mainly because Fischer's bishop was on the same color as his pawns, and rather ineffective.
Fischer's task was to get his rook, potentially his most active piece, behind the white pawns. This required difficult maneuvering against Petrosian's careful defense, but Fischer succeeded on his 59th move.
The game was then about over. Petrosian gave up his knight, for two pawns, with the last hope of exchanging Fischer's remaining pawns for a possible draw.
Fischer, with his king, rook and bishop, went after the white king, which was caught in a mating net. Petrosian resigned when he realized his helplessness.
The seventh game was an even finer example of Fischer's skill in developing a seemingly minor advantage to a full point.
Petrosian played the Sicilian Defense, as he had in the first game, varying on his fourth move. After some exchanges in the center, Petrosian had two isolated pawns.
This was all Fischer seemed to need. He kept increasing the pressure on these points, forcing Petrosian further on the defensive with each move.
Petrosian tried to complicate the game by offering a rook for a bishop on his 12th move, and a pawn on his 15th move. In each case Fischer preferred to continue with the inroad of his pieces.
The first breakthrough came when Fischer moved one of his rooks to the seventh rank. A few moves later the second rook advanced, and again Petrosian's king was the target.
Petrosian had hurt his cause by advancing his king side pawns, in a meaningless demonstration. With his pieces uncoordinated, he could put up no further resistance.
The eighth game will be played today, with further games on Tuesday, Thursday and next Sunday.
