The Spokesman-Review Spokane, Washington Wednesday, September 29, 1971 - Page 12
U.S. Champ Seeks World Title Chance
Buenos Aires (AP) U.S. chess ace Bobby Fischer opens a 12-game match Thursday with Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union to determine the challenger for the world chess title.
Petrosian, former world champion, and Fischer will start their month-long series at 3 p.m. EST in the theater San Martin.
Although the theater will set about 1,000 persons, the audience is expected to be limited to 600 or 700.
Fischer's Decorations — Fischer, 28, stipulated no one should be seated within 20-30 feet of the playing table on the stage. He also insisted on indirect lighting that has been specially installed, on a chess board and pieces that would not reflect light, and that no spectators within his view use pocket chess boards.
Petrosian, 42, an Armenian now living in Moscow, did not request any special provisions.
Their series is the final elimination match to determine who will meet the world's champion, Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union.
Games will be played Thursdays, Sundays and Tuesdays, except for Sunday Oct. 3 and Oct. 10. A game not finished in the first five-hour session will be continued the next day.
Goal Is 6½ — The winner of a game will score one point. Draws will count half a point for each player. A total of 6½ points is required to win the match.
The players were officially welcomed to Buenos Aires Monday evening at the Ministry of Justice by Ernesto C. Hernandez, minister of sports. Both Fischer, of New York, and Petrosian have been here before. They said they were happy with the playing arrangements.
The drawing of colors to determine who has the white pieces and thus the first move in the first game will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the San Martin. Lothar Schmidt of West Germany, appointed as match arbiter by the International Chess Federation, will preside at the ceremony.
Fischer Close — This is the first time since 1935 that a non-Russian has been so close to the world championship. Dr. Max Euwe of Holland held the title in 1934-35.
Spassky gained the title when he defeated Petrosian in 1969. He will defend it against the victor of the current series in April or May, 1972.
In addition to the chance for the top spot in chess, the players are vying for cash prizes of $7,500 to the winner and $4,500 to the loser.
