AThe Gazette Montreal, Quebec, Canada Saturday, November 27, 1971 - Page 55
Game of Kings: Montreal, Chess Capital?
Four countries have already put in a bid for the Fischer-Spassky world championship match, one of which has offered $30,000.00 prize money (winner, $18,000, loser, $12,000.) The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has not disclosed names as other bids are expected. The expenditure is very small compared to other professional sports for world wide publicity that could last six weeks or more (the winner must score 12½ pts. in the best of 24 games series, with three games per week). Money will not be the sole criterion of suitability., and a wrangle can be expected on that point. If agreement as to site cannot be reached amicably between the principals the names will have to go into a hat for a decision, as was the case for the Buenos Aires match. Fortunately they offered the biggest prize and the Argentine government picked up the tab. But why not Montreal? Both players are well-known and well-liked here and as neutral an atmosphere could be expected as anywhere else in the world. The project would still require the support of government and business. Montreal staged the last section of games in the world championship match of 1894, when Emmanuel Lasker, 24, dethroned William Steinitz, 57, ending a reign of 28 years. FIDE has ruled the match must not start before April 28 or later than July 1.
