The New York Times New York, New York Thursday, May 06, 1971 - Page 56
Soviet Chess Aides Protest Conditions Set by Fischer
A last-minute obstacle to the Bobby Fischer-Mark Taimanov chess match scheduled to start in Vancouver, British Columbia, on May 13 was threatened briefly by the Soviet officials yesterday when they learned that no spectators were to be present during play—a condition set forth by Fischer.
The match is part of the eliminations to select a challenger for a world title contest against Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union.
The condition was in violation of the international rules, the Soviet officials stated, and therefore Taimanov would not play. Dr Max Euwe of the Netherlands, president of the International Chess Federation and a former world champion countered with a threat to substitute Lajos Portisch of Hungary, next in the qualifications, for Taimanov.
In turn, this elicited the response that all four Soviet players would drop out—Grandmasters Yefim Geller, Tigran Petrosian, a former world champion, and Viktor Korchnoi, as well as Taimanov. Dr. Euwe then suggested a complete substitution of the Soviet delegation.
Finally, a reply came that Taimanov was on his way, according to Col. E.P. Edmondson, executive director of the United States Chess Federation.
