AThe Corpus Christi Caller-Times Corpus Christi, Texas Tuesday, November 02, 1971 - Page 14
High Drama
While the United Nations General Assembly was busy ousting the Republic of China from the membership it has held for more than two decades, Bobby Fischer was busy changing a situation that has lasted almost as long. For 23 years, no one but a Soviet grand master has been a challenger for the world chess title. Fischer has now, by defeating Tigran Petrosian, placed himself in line to challenge world champion Boris Spassky next spring.
The parallel may seem a bit far-fetched. Still, in the world of chess this outcome is a matter of high drama.
Petrosian, who was world champion from 1962 to 1969, is a formidable opponent. In chess as in most sports, however, age is a significant factor. It may have been the decisive factor in this case: Spassky, at 46, [(Correction: six years difference, born 1937 vs. Fischer, 1943 putting Spassky, 34 years age approximately)] is considered already rather old for the pressures of top-level tournament play, whereas the 28-year-old American prodigy is at his peak. [(They're talking about Petrosian, I think.)] His coming match with Spassky will be a dramatic battle of skill that should interest even those who scarcely know a pawn from a king.
