AJanuary 23 1938
The Sun, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Sunday, January 23, 1938
The reports in the English Press announcing Botvinnik's victory over Levenfish were premature. They were caused by the misunderstanding of the conditions of the match which were: the best of 10 games draws not counting. After 10 games the score was 5½-4½, but as three of the 10 games were drawn the actual score was 4-3, in Botvinnik's favor. The 11th game was won by Levenfish, but Botvinnik won the 12th making certain of at least drawing the match. In order to win however Botvinnik, who was the challenger had to win six games while five were sufficient for Levenfish who retained his title if the match was drawn. Levenfish won the 13th game in fine style retaining the title of chess champion of the USSR. For this achievement Levenfish was awarded the title of grand-master. The only other player to hold this title in the Soviet Russia is Botvinnik. The remarkable feature of the match was the small number of drawn games, which is probably a record in a match of a corresponding importance.
