ALubbock Avalanche-Journal Lubbock, Texas Sunday, October 31, 1971 - Page 35
U.S. Can Lead at Chess, Maybe
A GREAT victory by Bobby Fischer, U.S. chess genius, over another grand master, Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union, at Buenos Aires somehow failed to attract world-shaking attention.
Perhaps that was because of the competition with news that the United Nations had voted to accept Communist China and expel Taiwan. Or, perhaps, it was because the game of chess is not exactly known for its pulsating excitement.
Such two-man “tournaments” require up to 12 games, which may extend over several weeks, depending on such matters as stomach aches or nervousness which might affect one of both of the contestants.
A hardened old American sports writer is alleged to have said that covering a yacht race is “like watching grass grow.” Chess, except to its relatively few real aficionados, bears some resemblance to yachting.
However, Fischer's feats are not without worldwide significance. The 28-year-old native of Brooklyn is on a slow march toward a showdown for the world championship with the title-holder, Boris Spassky of the USSR. The latter succeeded Petrosian. The showdown will take place next Spring, since nothing in chess ever is done in a hurry.
Fischer now is so good that he probably will defeat Spassky. We hope so. These days, the Soviet Union is achieving nuclear missile superiority and is on the way to naval superiority. It has more spies abroad than any other country.
SO, it will be comforting if the U.S. shows em up at chess, even if it takes until next Spring. Go get 'im, Bobby!
