AJanuary 13 1958
February 15 1958
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Saturday, February 15, 1958
Tal Retains Soviet Chess Title
By our Chess Correspondent
Mikhail Tal, aged 21, has retained the Russian chess championship. The contest ended to-day in his home town of Riga. He scored 12½ points out of 18, followed by Petrosian 12, Bronstein 11½, Averbakh 11, and Polugaevsky and Spassky 10½. Tal has thus confirmed that he is the outstanding threat among the younger generation to the world supremacy of Botvinnik and Smyslov.
Like last year, his victory depended on a critical last-round game with another of the leaders. Tal's win with the black pieces against Spassky was a triumph for him but a tragedy for the latter, who is also only 21. Spassky was leading the field for most of the tournament but this last-round loss even deprives him of one of the four Russian places in the inter-zonal tournament for the world championship.
March 02 1958
The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Sunday, March 02, 1958
Tal Wins Russian Title
Mikhail Tal won the championship of Russia for the second year in succession, according to a report from the New York Times. He compiled 10 victories, three losses and five drawn games for the winning score of 12½-5½.
The runner-up, Tigran Petrosian, emerged from the tournament without a single defeat but won only six games and drew 12. He finished half a point below the champion. Tal's losses were to Isaac Boleslavsky, Victor Korchnoi and A. Bannik.
Petrosian was a member of the Russian team that triumphed over the Americans in New York in 1954 and in Moscow in 1955. So was David Bronstein, who placed third, half a point below Petrosian.
Yuri Averbakh finished fourth with 11-7. He lost but two games, the same number as Bronstein. A newcomer among the leading Soviet masters, L. Polugaevsky, tied for fifth with Boris Spassky, former world junior champion. Those two outranked a former Russian champion, Efim Geller, who was bracketed in seventh place with B. Gurgundize.
Boleslavsky was the drawing master, halving the point 13 times in the tourney. He won three and lost two to finish in a triple tie for ninth with Korchnoi and N. Krogius.
Following is the final standing and games from the tournament:
March 06 1958
The Expositor, Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Thursday, March 06, 1958
The Pawn Shoppe
Mikhail Tal retained the Russian chess championship for a second straight year recently with a 12½-5½ record. He won 10, lost three, drew five. Runner-up Tigran Petrosian ended up a half-point down with 12 wins and six draws.
Tal showed champion's form in this sample from the tourney.
Yuri Averbakh vs Mikhail Tal
USSR Championship (1958), Riga URS, rd 4, Jan-??
Benoni Defense: Classical Variation. Czerniak Defense (A76) 0-1
(a) 11. P-QR3 is necessary to stop Black's next.
(b) Any effort to save the doubly attacked bishop pawn draws 28. … B-K4 and violent death.
(c) If 28. QxR Q-B3ch, and mate next move.
(d) Death. If 36. RxR QxRch with mate in two. Otherwise 36. … RxRch; 37. BxRmate.
March 30 1958
Hartford Courant, Hartford, Connecticut, Sunday, March 30, 1958
Chess in Russia
A tournament of 19 chess players of Russia has recently been concluded, and won by Mikhail Tal, with score 10 wins, 3 losses, and 5 draws. Smyslov-Botvinnik did not play in this tournament, as they have started a 24 game match for the world chess championship.
April 07 1958
Edmonton Journal Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Monday, April 07, 1958
Compared With Russian
He compared Fischer to Mikhail Tal, youngest player ever to reach the Russian championship which he won in 1956 at age 19. Tal's attainment compared with that of the younger American, since it is harder to win the Russian title than the American.
“It is quite possible that in a couple of years Fischer will become a grand master.” he said.
However, Yanofsky said he doubts Fischer will reach the world championship class in the next round of international competition. Fischer now ranks as an international master—not a grand master—as a result of his victories in the U.S.
The four-year cycle of international events started last year with qualifications in the various international zones. The inter-zone finals are being held this year, at Portoroz, Yugoslavia, Aug. 15 to Sept. 15. There the top five qualify for the candidates' tournament in 1959, and the winner then is entitled to challenge the world champion in 1960.
World champion Vasily Smyslov currently is playing a 24-game world title match in Moscow against challenger Mikhail Botvinnik, a former champion. As of April 1 Botvinnik had won four and lost two, with five draws, making the point score Botvinnik 6½, Smyslov 4½. The first to reach 12½ points is the winner.
Tal, who won the Russian title again this year, will likely play in Yugoslavia; Russia may have at least six players in the event. Fischer was given a round-trip plane ticket to Yugoslavia by a U.S. television show. The other U.S. eligible, 46-year-old grand master Samuel Reshevsky, is not expected to make the trip.
May 25 1958
The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Sunday, May 25, 1958
Fischer, Reshevsky In Line For Interzonal
Either 20 or 21 masters, representing the various geographical zones of the International Chess Federation, will compete in the interzonal tournament of the current world championship series in an event scheduled for Portoroz, Yugoslavia, starting Aug. 5.
Bobby Fischer, the new U.S. champion, and international Grandmaster Samuel Reshevsky are eligible to represent this country. Fischer is set to go, first visiting Russia, where he has been invited for exhibition matches. Reshevsky's plans are not yet definite, but it is likely that he also will enter the interzonal event.
Four grandmasters will play for Russia, which has held the world title since Mikhail Botwinnik won it in 1948. The four are Mikhail Tal, present Russian champion; Yuri Averbach, David Bronstein and Tigran Petrosian.
Argentina has qualified three competitors, Oscar Panno, Raul Sanguinetti and Hector Rossetto. The Argentine Chess Federation has requested the additional inclusion of Miguel Najdorf, long regarded as one of the outstanding masters of the hemisphere.
The others who have advanced through zonal competition are Dr. Miroslav Filip and Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia, Svetozar Gligoric and Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia, Paul Benko and Laszlo Szabo of Hungary (Benko, who defected from Hungary last year, is now residing in San Diego), Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland, Bent Larsen of Denmark, O. Neikirch of Bulgaria, Paul Vaitonis of Canada and Rodolfo Cardoso of the Philippines.
July 08 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, July 08, 1958
U.S. Chess Squad Leading Albania
Mednis, Saidy Win for 2-0 Edge as World Students' Test Opens in Bulgaria
The four New York players representing the United States in the fifth annual international students' chess matches at Varna, Bulgaria, made a promising start yesterday. They won two of their four games from Albania, according to a report received through Bulgarian news sources.
The winners were Edmar Mednis of N.Y.U. and Anthony F. Saidy of Fordham, numbers 2 and 3 in the line-up, respectively. Playing white against a Sicilian defense, Mednis won in twenty-four moves from Esat Duraku. Saidy was on the black side of a Sicilian defense with Fantoch Dmary and scored in thirty-seven moves.
William Lombardy, C.C.N.Y., in still another Sicilian, held down the first board for America and adjourned with Ylvi Pustina after forty moves in a position indicating an ultimate draw. Also adjourned was the game between Arthur Feuerstein, C.C.N.Y., and Theodore Silici, which was a King's Indian defense. Feuerstein's position was regarded as favorable.
Russia, the defender, began with a hard-earned victory, by 2½-1½, over East Germany in Section 1. The Soviet quarter was led by Mikhail Tal, twice national champion, and Boris Spassky, another grandmaster, both of whom won as expected. Bukhuti Gurgenidze drew at the third board, but Ivar Gipslis lost at the fourth to Juttler.
Other victorious first-round teams were those of Rumania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Yugoslavia and Argentina.
Two teams will qualify from each of the four preliminary sections, making a total of eight to play in the finals.
July 10 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, July 10, 1958
U.S. Chess Team Defeats Iceland
Takes 3-1 Match in Bulgaria to Gain Section Lead in Students' Tourney
The four-man United States team yesterday defeated Iceland, 3-1, in the students' chess championship tournament at Varna, according to a report from Bulgaria.
The Americans also completed their first-round match with Albania, winning 3½ to ½. With a total of 6½ points, the four New York collegians on the team led Section 2 of the preliminaries. Bulgaria, also with two matches won, has 6 points.
In the two adjourned games with Albania, William Lombardy of City College, the world junior champion, drew with Ylvi Pustina in seventy-one moves and Arthur Feuerstein, also of City College, won in seventy-two moves from Theodore Silici.
Against Iceland, Lombardy, at the first board, won with the Slav defense in thirty-one moves from Fridrik Olafsson.
Feuerstein, No. 4, defeated Freysteinn Thorbergsson in a King's Indian defense lasting thirty-seven moves.
Edmar Mednis, New York University, and Anthony F. Saidy, Fordham, Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, played draws. Mednis resorted to the French defense against Ingvar Asmundsson and twenty-nine moves were recorded. Saidy was through in twenty-one moves of a King's Indian defense against I. Thorbekasson.
Russia, defending in Section 1, won from Rumania by 2½ to 1½. Mikhail Tal and Boris Spassky were again successful at the top boards and Alexander Nikitin played to a draw with Alehandru Aunsberkaer. Rumania's only winner was Doeli Drimer, who outplayed Yuri Nikolaevski.
July 12 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, July 12, 1958
Argentina Beats U.S. Chess Squad
Lombardy and Saidy Bow in 2½-1½ Team Loss—Student Finals Open
Argentina defeated the United States, 2½-1½, in the first round of the finals of the world student chess tournament at Varna yesterday, according to a report received through Bulgarian news sources.
Oscar Panno, an international grandmaster, defeated William Lombardy, world junior champion of C.C.N.Y., in forty moves. Panno had the white side of a Sicilian defense. Another Sicilian defense, at the third board, and played by Anthony F. Saidy of Fordham and A. Redolfi, was scored against the American team in twenty-eight moves.
The lone winner for the United States was Arthur Feuerstein of C.C.N.Y., No. 4 in the line-up, who won a Reti opening from Jaime Emma after thirty-eight moves. A draw resulted at the second board between Edmar Mednis, N.Y.U., and Raul Sanguinetti, in a twenty-six move Sicilian defense.
Russia took a 2-0 lead against Hungary, Mikhail Tal and Alexander Nikitin won from Lajos Portisch and Istvan Molnar, respectively.
East Germany defeated Yugoslavia, 2½-1½.
July 21 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, July 21, 1958
Soviet Students Top U.S. In Chess
Champions Win by 2½-1½ to Finish With 19½-8½ in Varna Tournament
Having established a safe lead in the first session of the seventh and final round at Varna, and thereby retained the championship, Russia's student chess players went on to defeat the United States, 2½-1½ according to a report from Bulgaria yesterday.
The Soviet experts won every match. Czechoslovakia alone held the champions to a 2-all tie in the sixth round.
The final totals gave the Russians a score of 19½-8½. Bulgaria took second with 17-11.
Mikhail Tal, the Soviet champion, led his team in the tournament with a score of 5½-1½.
Of the Americans, Anthony F. Saidy of Fordham, playing in six of the matches, turned in a score of 3½-2½. William Lombardy, C.C.N.Y., played No. 1 board in all seven matches and tallied 3½-3½, while Arthur Feuerstein, C.C.N.Y., was credited with 3-3. Edmar Mednis, New York University, America's No. 2, accounted for 2½-4½.
The United States team finished in sixth place with 12½-15½.
July 24 1958
Courier-Post, Camden, New Jersey, Thursday, July 24, 1958
Russians Retain Title In World Student Play
To no one's great surprise, Russia retained the international students' chess title in the tournament just ended at Varna, Bulgaria.
At the end of seven rounds the Russians led with a point score of 19½-8½. Bulgaria was second at 17-11 and Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Yugoslavia tied for third at 14-14. The United States, with a score of 12½-15½; was in sixth place, one point ahead of Argentina and three ahead of East Germany.
The Russian team, headed by Soviet national champion Mikhail Tal, won every one of the seven matches in which it competed. Tal led his team to victory with a score of 5½-1½.
The American showing was somewhat disappointing, in view of the team's fine record in the preliminary round—a game score of 9½-2½. In the final round Anthony Saidy, of Fordham, who played only six of the seven matches, turned in the best score, 3½-2½. William Lombardy, of City College, New York, broke even at 3½-3½, which was creditable enough considering that he played No. 1 board in all the matches. Arthur Feuerstein, of City College, also broke even at 3-3, and Edmar Mednis, of New York University, earned 2½ points for the American team while losing 4½.
In his match against Tal in the seventh round Lombardy drew, as did Mednis against Spassky and Saidy against Gurgenidze. Gipslis was the only Russian winner over the Americans, his victory coming over Feuerstein at Board No. 4.
July 27 1958
The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Sunday, July 27, 1958
Russia Wins World Students Tourney
A student team representing the U.S.S.R, which defeated the United States by 2½-1½ in the final round, retained their title in the World Students' Chess Championship Tournament in Varna, Bulgaria, according to a report from the New York Times.
The Americans held their opponents to draws on the first three boards. William Lombardy of CCNY, world junior champion, was paired with Grandmaster Mikhail Tal; Edmar Mednis of NYU with an other grandmaster, Boris Spassky, and Anthony Saidy of Fordham tackled Buhuti Gurgenidze. The margin of victory for the Russians was on Board 4, when Arthur Feuerstein of CCNY bowed to Ivar Gipelis.
The Soviet experts did not lose a match, winning against six of the team and tying with Czechoslovakia. Their final point score was 19½-8½. Bulgaria finished second with 17-11. Third place was a three-way tie among Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Yugoslavia.
The United States was sixth in the final standing with 12½-15½. The team scored two victories in the finals, defeating East Germany by 3½-½, and Yugoslavia by 2½-1½. In the other matches the United States lost by 1½-2½ to Argentina and Czechoslovakia and by 1-3 to Bulgaria and Hungary.
In individual tallies Saidy had the only plus score on the American squad, with a 3½-2½. Lombardy, meeting the strongest competition, finished with the total comprising one win, one loss, and five draws.
Feuerstein also finished with an even score, 3-3. Mednis tallied 2½-4½ on the second board. Robert Sobel of the University of Pennsylvania played in only two matches and lost both.
Trailing in the competition were Argentina with 11½-16½ and East Germany with 9½-18½.
August 01 1958
August 03 1958
The Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, August 03, 1958
The Spirit of Morphy
“Proof that the spirit of Morphy still lives was furnished by a game played in the recent students' international chess tournament at Varna, Bulgaria. Mikhail Tal, Latvia, who has won the last two Russian championship tournaments, played and won against Miko Bobotsov with stirring brilliancy.
Tal sacked his Queen at move 12 and went on to prove the soundness of his combination with verve and elan. The New York Times said: “So enthusiastic were some of the spectators that they did not hesitate to classify the brilliant effort with a similar feat by Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn here in the Rosenwald trophy tournament of two years ago. On that occasion Fischer defeated Donald Byrne with courageous tactics that were evidence of the genius that was later to assert itself.”
Tal and Fischer will meet in the interzonal tournament beginning Aug. 5 at Portoroz, Yugoslavia.”
August 05 1958
August 06 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, August 06, 1958
Fischer Plays Draw In Yugoslav Chess
Twenty-one players, representing twelve countries, began play in the interzonal tournament sponsored by the International Chess Federation in Portoroz, according to a report from Yugoslavia last night.
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, 15-year-old United States champion, made his international debut in a closely fought match with O. Neikirch of Bulgaria. The encounter resulted in a creditable draw. Fischer had the white pieces.
The game between James T. Sherwin of New York, 24-year-old Columbia graduate, and Tigran Petrosian of Russia, was adjourned after forty moves. The position was regarded as even.
Mikhail Tal, national Soviet champion, and Pal Benko of Hungary were the sole winners. Four games were drawn and four adjourned.
August 07 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, August 07, 1958
Tal Defeats Szabo In Yugoslav Chess
Mikhail Tal of Moscow gained his second consecutive victory in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz and led the field of twenty-one, according to a report received last night from Yugoslavia.
Tal defeated Szabo of Hungary in forty-nine moves. The Soviet grandmaster played the Sicilian defense.
The only other second-round victor was Bobby Fischer 15-year-old United States champion, who won on the black side of a king's Indian defense from Geza Fuster of Toronto.
The American lad was not at his best in the opening. He lost a pawn during a time scramble, but an oversight on the part of Fuster cost him a clear knight. Fischer scored in thirty-six moves.
James T. Sherwin of New York, the other American representative, whose adjourned first-round game with Tigran Petrosian of Russia was held over until today, drew a bye.
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Thursday, August 07, 1958
Interzonal Prospects
The most eagerly awaited chess event of the year has begun this week in Portoroz, Yugoslavia. This is the world championship interzonal tournament, consisting of 21 players, of whom five will join Keres and Smyslov next year in a competition to find a challenger to Botvinnik in 1960. Owing to the rule that not more than four of the challengers can be from any one country, two of the great Russian masters Averbakh, Bronstein, Petrosian and Tal must be eliminated.
There should be a tremendous battle for the five qualifying places, with in addition to the Russians, Gligoric, Larsen, Olafsson, Panno, and Szabo having the best chances. A touch of drama will be provided by the first meeting ever between the 22-year-old Mikhail Tal, Russian champion for two years running, and Bobby Fischer, American champion at only 15. One cannot see Fischer doing really well on his first appearance in Europe, but he clearly has a great future.
Both Tal and Fischer have been preparing intensively for Portoroz in the last month. Tal was unbeaten in helping Russia to retain the world students' championship, and Fischer has been playing training games in Yugoslavia. Here is one recent game by each of them, a convincing attack by the Russian and a deep queen sacrifice (spoiled by time pressure) by the American.
August 08 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Friday, August 08, 1958
Tal In First Place
Russian Leads in Interzonal Chess in Yugoslavia
Eight adjourned games were played off last night in the first and second rounds of the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, according to a report from Yugoslavia. Mikhail Tal of Russia is in first place with a 2-0 score.
Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, and Pal Benko, Hungary, were tied at 1½—½ by Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland and Tigran Petrosian of Russia, both of whom won their unfinished games.
Petrosian won his first-round game from James T. Sherwin of New York in fifth-eight moves of a Queen's Gambit. Olafsson beat Laszlo Szabo of Hungary in forty-two moves.
August 09 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, August 09, 1958
Tal and Pachman Draw In 50 Moves
Mikhail Tal, the Russian national chess champion, went all out to break down the French defense set up by Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia in the third round of the interzonal tournament at Portoroz, last night, according to a report from Yugoslavia.
The Soviet grandmaster was thwarted, however, by his opponent's stout resistance. A draw was recorded after fifty moves, leaving Tal in first place with a 2½-½ total.
David Bronstein and Tigran Petrosian of Russia are tied at 2-1 with Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia. Bronstein and Gligoric were winners, whereas Petrosian drew in 22 moves.
The 15-year-old United States champion, Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, engaged in a lively encounter with Hector Rossetto of Buenos Aires, who had the black side of a Ruy Lopez. Play was adjourned after 42 moves.
August 10 1958
The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Sunday, August 10, 1958
Fischer, Sherwin In Interzonal Chess
The Interzonal Tournament of the International Chess Federation started in Portoroz, Yugoslavia, with 21 players representing 12 countries, according to a report from the New York Times.
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, 15-year-old United States chess champion, made his international debut in a closely fought match with Otto Neikirch of Bulgaria. The encounter resulted in a creditable draw. Fischer had the white pieces.
The only other American representative, James T. Sherwin of New York, 24-year-old Columbia graduate, adjourned his game with Tigran Petrosian of Russia. The position was regarded as even.
Mikhail Tal, national Soviet champion, and Paul Benko, former Hungarian champion, were the only winners. Four games were drawn and four adjourned after the first session.
August 11 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, August 11, 1958
Fischer, Sherwin Set Back In Chess
Both American entries were defeated last night in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, according to a report form Yugoslavia.
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, 15-year-old United States champion, lost with the black pieces to Pal Benko, a Hungarian refugee who reached the United States by way of Iceland a year ago.
Laszlo Szabo, who has been for many years the leading exponent of the game in Hungary, defeated James T. Sherwin of New York. Sherwin has yet to score. Fischer has a score of 1½-1½, with one game adjourned.
The only other fourth-round winners were Tigran Petrosian and Yuri Auerbach of Russia. Petrosian took the lead with 3-1. Benko, 2½-½, is tied with Mikhail Tal, Soviet grandmaster, who adjourned in the fourth round with Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia.
August 12 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, August 12, 1958
Fischer Gets Draw In Interzonal Chess
Adjourned games from the third and fourth rounds were completed last night in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, according to a report from Yugoslavia.
Two Russians, Yuri Auerbach and Tigran Petrosian, lead the field, each with a score of 3—1. Auerbach took his third-round match with Otto Neikirch of Bulgaria after 41 moves.
Pal Benko of Hungary remained in third place. Mikhail Tal, the Soviet champion, suffered his first defeat and fell to a six-way tie for fourth place at 2½—1½.
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, the United States champion, played a third-round draw with Hector Rossetto of Argentina in 73 moves. Fischer won a pawn but had to give up a rook for another pawn about to reach the eighth rank.
James T. Sherwin of New York won his third-round game from Boris deGreif of Colombia in 49 moves. Sherwin had a queen and two united passed pawns against a rook and two minor pieces.
August 13 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, August 13, 1958
Russians Keep Lead
Auerbach and Petrosian Win in Interzonal Chess
Yuri Auerbach and Tigran Petrosian of Russia won their fifth-round games yesterday to retain the lead in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, according to reports from Yugoslavia.
Auerbach defeated Hector Rossetto of Argentina, while Petrosian won from Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia.
Mikhail Tal, the Soviet champion, defeated Dr. Miroslav Filip of Czechoslovakia to tie at 3½—1½ with Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland, who outplayed Rodolfo Cardoso of the Philippines.
Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, had a bye. James T. Sherwin of New York adjourned with Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia.
August 15 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Friday, August 15, 1958
Fischer, Bronstein Deadlock In Chess
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn and David Bronstein of Russia played to a draw in sixty-two moves in a game that had been adjourned from the sixth round in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, according to a report last night from Yugoslavia.
The 15-year-old United States champion then had a score of 2½—2½ and is on even terms with such masters as Oscar Panno of Argentina, Laszlo Szabo of Hungary and Dr. Miroslav Filip of Czechoslovakia. Bronstein is only half a point ahead of the youngster.
Bronstein had another session in his fifth-round game with Pal Benko of Hungary, in which fifty-nine moves have been recorded. Benko, still undefeated, has a score of 3½—½ and Bronstein has 3—2. The Hungarian has had his bye.
When the results of the other adjourned games had been recorded, Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland and Tigran Petrosian of Russia had totals of 4½—1½ apiece. Olafsson beat Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia.
Bent Larsen of Denmark, with a score of 4—2, was tied with two Russians, Yuri Auerbach and Mikhail Tal.
August 17 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, August 17, 1958
Fischer Defeats Larsen In Chess
U.S. Champion Beats Dane in Yugoslavia—Petrosian and Gligoric Draw
The score of Bobby Fischer, the United States chess champion, was lifted last night to 4-3 when he defeated Bent Larsen, Denmark's leading player, in the eighth round of the interzonal tournament sponsored by the International Chess Federation at Portoroz, according to a report from Yugoslavia.
It was the second victory for the 15-year-old Brooklyn student, who conducted the white pieces against the Dane.
His first success had been gained at the expense of Geza Fuster of Toronto in the second round. Because of a bye in the fifth, Fischer has played seven games, of which four were drawn.
Tigran Petrosian of Russia, leading with a score of 6—2, was held to a draw by Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, who played white.
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, August 17, 1958
Fischer Off Form In Debut Abroad
But U.S. Champion, 15, Holds Own in Yugoslav Chess—Scores Are Listed
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, the 15-year-old United States champion, has been holding his own, although not quite playing at the top of his form at the international chess tournament at Portoroz, Yugoslavia.
After a well-played draw with Otto Neikirch of Bulgaria in the first round, he took a point from Geza Fuster of Canada in the second. Here he enjoyed a bit of good fortune, according to the details which have reached here.
Fischer, making his international debut, was a pawn behind and the outlook was unpromising, when, during a scramble against time, he managed to set a trap. Fuster fell into it, lost a clear knight and was forced to resign.
Another draw, against Hector Rossetto of Argentina, followed and then came Fischer's first and only defeat, by Pal Benko of Hungary, in the fourth round. After a bye in the fifth, he encountered David Bronstein of Russia in the sixth. After two sessions, the man who played a tie match with Mikhail Botvinnik for the world championship, was unable to make any headway against the clever young Brooklynite who halved the point.
The scores of two of these games by Fischer are included in the following selection received by airmail. Two specimens by Mikhail Tal, the Soviet champion, are also shown.
The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Sunday, August 17, 1958
Averbakh, Petrosian Lead Interzone Play
Yuri Averbakh and Tigran Petrosian of Russia are leading after five rounds of play in the Interzonal Chess Tournament at Portoroz, Yugoslavia, according to a report from the New York Times. Each has three wins and two draws for a score of 4-1.
Mikhail Tal, the Soviet champion is tied at 3½-1½ with Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland. Tal, who started with two wins to take an early lead, lost in the fourth round to Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia, then recovered to defeat Dr. Miroslav Filip of Czechoslovakia.
The best percentage is held by Paul Benko, who originally won his place in the tournament as a Hungarian representative, but is now an American resident. Benko has 2½-½, with an adjourned game against David Bronstein of Russia.
One of Benko's wins is the first loss sustained by Bobby Fischer, 15-year-old U.S. chess champion. Bobby has a 2-2 score, including a win against Geza Fuster of Canada, and draws with Otto Neikirch of Bulgaria and Hector Rossetto of Argentina.
A report from Yugoslavia indicates Fischer is having difficulties with fans and newsmen, who are naturally attracted to the chess prodigy. He has requested help from the authorities, stating that he can not concentrate on his game with a crowd around his table.
James T. Sherwin of New York, second representative of the U.S., has a 1-2 score. He defeated Boris de Greiff of Columbia, but lost to Petrosian and Laszlo Szabo of Hungary, Sherwin has an adjourned fifth-round game with Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia.
August 18 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, August 18, 1958
Benko, Hungary, Scores In Chess
Defeats Sanguinetti, Draws With Bronstein to Take 2d Place at Portoroz
Pal Benko, one of Hungary's representatives in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, last night moved into second place with a score of 5½-1½. He added 1½ points in two adjourned games, according to a report received from Yugoslavia.
The Hungarian won his eighth-round match with Raul Sanguinetti of Argentina and then agreed to a draw with David Bronstein of Russia in a fifth-round game, which twice had been adjourned.
Tigran Petrosian of Moscow is the leader with a 6-2 total.
Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland dropped to third after resigning his seventh-round game to Otto Neikirch of Bulgaria, and then defeating Geza Fuster of Canada.
Alexander Matanovic, Yugoslavia, gained another point by winning from Laszlo Szabo, Hungary, in the eighth round. This enabled Matanovic to tie at 5-3, with Yuri Averbakh and Mikhail Tal, two of the Russian grandmasters.
August 20 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, August 20, 1958
Fischer Wins Again In Interzone Chess
Bobby Fischer, 15-year-old chess champion of the United States, defeated Raul Sanguinetti of Argentina in the ninth round of the interzonal tournament at Portoroz, according to a report from Yugoslavia last night. The South American was outplayed in a twenty-eight move Sicilian defense.
It was Fischer's second consecutive victory. It landed him in a tie for sixth place, at 5—3, with Yuri Auerbach of Russia.
Tigran Petrosian of Russia, who drew against Otto Neikirch of Bulgaria, kept the lead with a score of 6½-2½; Mikhail Tal, the Soviet champion, was second with 6—3 after winning from Geza Fuster of Canada.
August 21 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, August 21, 1958
Tal Takes Chess Lead
Russian Defeats Rossetto at Portoroz—Fischer in Draw
Mikhail Tal, national chess champion of Russia, gained the lead in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, according to a report from Yugoslavia last night.
The Russian, on the black side of a King's Indian defense, scored in thirty-nine moves over Hector Rossetto of Argentina for a 7-3 won-lost score.
Bobby Fischer, 15-year-old United States champion, and James T. Sherwin both drew their tenth-round games against Oscar Panno of Argentina and Otto Neikirch of Bulgaria, respectively.
August 24 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, August 24, 1958
Fischer Adjourns, Shunning A Draw
Aggressiveness on both sides marked the play between the chess champions of the United States and Russia in the twelfth round of the interzone tournament at Portoroz, according to a report received last night from Yugoslavia.
Bobby Fischer, 15-year-old from Brooklyn, adopted the Ruy Lopez against Mikhail Tal of Moscow and held his own throughout the opening and middle game until he appeared to have a slight advantage.
While Tal was content to draw, the American preferred to play on, but was short of time. In the opinion of experts, he should have been content with a certain half point.
Playing on, his grip on the position slackened and, when play stopped, the Russian had by no means worse prospects. Tal, with an 8—3 score, remained in second place. Tigran Petrosian held first with 9—3 after a draw with Pal Benko, Hungary, in twenty-one moves. Fischer, 5½—3½, and two adjourned, was tenth in the standing.
James T. Sherwin of New York, on the black side of a Sicilian defense with Hector Rossetto of Buenos Aires, adjourned in an even position after forty-one moves.
A seventeen-move draw between Yuri Auerbach, Russia, and Oscar Panno, Argentina, enabled the Soviet grandmaster to take third place with 7½—3½.
August 25 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, August 25, 1958
Fischer, Russian Play Chess Draw
Match Against Tal Ends in 41 Moves After Olafsson Beats Brooklyn Youth
Bobby Fischer, the 15-year-old chess champion of the United States, lost one adjourned game and drew another in the interzonal tournament at Portoroz, according to a report last night from Yugoslavia.
Fischer, from Brooklyn, lost his eleventh-round game to Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland in forty-four moves. It was a difficult ending in which Fischer went astray under time pressure.
The setback was his second in this tournament. The Icelander thereby passed Fischer in the standing.
Next, Fischer returned to his twelfth-round game with Mikhail Tal, the Soviet champion. Although the Russian seemed to have an advantage, he agreed to a draw after forty-one moves without resuming play.
Tal remained in second place with a score of 8½—3½, while Tigran Petrosian of Russia, 9—3, continued in the lead. Olafsson was defeated by David Bronstein of Russia in the twelfth round in forty-six moves.
James T. Sherwin of New York won in the twelfth round from Hector Rossetto of Buenos Aires in forty-five moves. Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia defeated Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia.
August 28 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, August 28, 1958
Fischer, Russian Adjourn In Chess
13th-Round Petrosian Match Halted After 41 Moves—Feuerstein Triumphs
Bobby Fischer, the 15-year-old United States champion, and Tigran Petrosian of Russia adjourned in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, according to a report from Yugoslavia last night.
Play was halted after forty-one moves in a difficult end-game position. Fischer resorted to the King's Indian defense. Petrosian, with a score of 9—3, retained the lead.
Another Russian grandmaster, Mikhail Tal, is second with 9—4. He drew in nineteen moves with David Bronstein of Russia. The latter played the Nimzo-Indian defense, in which queens were exchanged early.
August 29 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, August 29, 1958
Tal And Auerbach Draw In 19 Moves
Petrosian-Bronstein Match in 14th Round Adjourned in Interzonal Chess
Mikhail Tal and Tigran Petrosian, Russian grandmasters, remained first and second, respectively, in the standing at the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, Yugoslavia, after the fourteenth round, according to a report received last night through Yugoslav news sources.
Tal played a short draw of nineteen moves with Yuri Auerbach, another Soviet grandmaster, who is third in the race. Petrosian adjourned a hard-fought session with David Bronstein of Russia after forty-one moves. The likelihood is that it will end in a draw.
The two Americans, Bobby Fischer and James T. Sherwin, both of New York, were paired, and played for forty-one moves of a Ruy Lopez until adjournment time. Fischer had the white pieces.
The fourteenth-round winners were Ludek Pachman, Czechoslovakia; Laszlo Szabo, Hungary; Fridrik Olafsson, Iceland, and Oscar Panno, Argentina.
August 30 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, August 30, 1958
Petrosian Leads Interzonal Chess
Draws With Bronstein and Fischer to Overtake Tal—Sherwin in Deadlock
Tigran Petrosian took the lead last night in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, Yugoslavia, according to a report received here.
In adjourned games of the thirteenth and fourteenth rounds the Russian grandmaster drew with Bobby Fischer, the 15-year-old United States champion, in sixty-seven moves and agreed to a draw with David Bronstein of Russia without resuming play.
A difficult rook-and-pawn ending brought a dramatic close to the contest with Fischer.
Petrosian, with a score of 10—4, replaced the Russian champion, Mikhail Tal, 9½—4½, in first place.
Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland moved into third place after winning his thirteenth-round game from Yuri Auerbach of Russia in fifty-nine moves.
James T. Sherwin of New York drew with Pal Benko, Hungary, in sixty-eight moves by repetition under time pressure. Sherwin then resumed play with Fischer in their fourteenth-round match. It was again adjourned in a rook ending, in which Fischer was a pawn ahead.
Oscar Panno of Argentina and Bent Larsen of Denmark drew in 100 moves.
August 31 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, August 31, 1958
Tal Beats Larsen In 24-Move Match
Ties Fellow Soviet Player, Petrosian, for Lead in Tourney at Portoroz
By means of a vigorous attack against the Sicilian defense set up by Bent Larsen of Denmark, Mikhail Tal of Russia won their fifteenth-round match in twenty-four moves in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, according to a report received last night from Yugoslavia.
Tal tied Tigran Petrosian of Russia for first place in the tourney, each with a score of 10½—4½.
Petrosian was paired with Yuri Auerbach, a Soviet grandmaster, who countered with a Nimzo-Indian defense. They agreed to a draw in twenty-two moves.
Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia outplayed Geza Fuster of Canada on the white side of a Sicilian defense after thirty-six moves. The winner tied Fridrik Olafsson, Iceland, for third place at 9—3. Olafsson adjourned with Raul Sanguinetti of Argentina.
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, the 15-year-old United States champion, twelfth in the standing, won from Boris de Greif of Colombia, who played white against a Sicilian defense. The South American sacrificed a piece to gain the initiative, but the young American put up a sound defense. Overstepping the time limit, de Greif lost in thirty-five moves. James T. Sherwin of New York adopted the English opening against David Bronstein of Russia. The American stood up stoutly against the famous Russian until he lost his grip under the pressure of the time limit. He lost a piece and exceeded the time limit after thirty-nine moves. Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia also was a winner.
The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Sunday, August 31, 1958
Russians Lead in Interzonal Chess
Tigran Petrosian of Russia, leading from the start, is still in front of the powerful field in the Interzonal Chess Tournament at Portoroz, Yugoslavia, according to a report from the New York Times.
After the completion of 12 rounds of the 21 scheduled, Petrosian has six wins and six draws for a score of 9-3. He is one of two players who are undefeated so far. The other is David Bronstein of Russia, whose total of 6½-4½ is composed of two wins and nine draws, with seven of the draws in successive games.
Two other Russian grandmasters are in second and third place. Mikhail Tal, Soviet champion, has 8½-3½. He has equaled Petrosian with six in the win column but lost in the fourth round to Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia. Following Tal is Yuri Averbakh with 7½-3½.
U.S. Champion Bobby Fischer, the 15-year-old schoolboy from Brooklyn, earned 2 points of his four games last week to maintain his plus score in the tournament. He defeated Raul Sanguinetti of Argentina in the ninth round in a 28-move Sicilian Defense.
In the 10th round Fischer drew against Oscar Panno of Argentina. The boy then suffered his second loss to Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland in a difficult ending in which time pressure was an important factor. Fischer then succeeded in drawing with Tal after the Russian obtained an early advantage.
September 01 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, September 01, 1958
Fischer Draws with Laszlo Szabo in 33 moves
Mikhail Tal, the Soviet chess champion, returned to first place in the interzonal tournament at Portoroz last night, according to a report from Yugoslavia. He drew in twenty moves with Raul Sanguinetti of Argentina and now has a score of 11-5.
Bobby Fischer, 15, the United States champion, from Brooklyn, drew with Laszlo Szabo of Hungary in thirty-three moves. Fisher played the Ruy Lopez and sacrificed his queen for a rook and bishop.
September 02 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, September 02, 1958
Fischer Triumphs In 90-Move Game
Beats Sherwin in Rook and Pawn Ending at Portoroz to Tie for 5th Place
Bobby Fischer won his adjourned fourteenth-round game of the interzonal chess tournament from James T. Sherwin of New York in ninety moves, according to a report received here last night from Portoroz, Yugoslavia.
The point gave the 15-year-old United States champion a score of 9—6 and left him on even terms with four others for fifth place.
It was Fischer's third session with Sherwin and they fought out a rook-and-pawn ending. Sherwin missed what was regarded as a theoretical draw.
Mikhail Tal and Tigran Petrosian, two of Russia's grandmasters, continue first and second, respectively, with Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland, half a point behind them. Olafsson drew his fifteenth-round game with Raul Sanguinetti of Argentina without resuming play.
Sherwin drew in his adjourned sixteenth-round game with Yuri Auerbach of Russia in sixty-seven moves. Sherwin's score is 6-9.
September 04 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, September 04, 1958
Tal, Panno Adjourn In Interzone Chess
Mikhail Tal, the Soviet national chess champion, and Oscar Panno of Argentina, adjourned after forty-one moves in the seventeenth round of the interzonal tournament at Portoroz last night, according to a report from Yugoslavia.
The South American, on the black side of a Ruy Lopez, stood up well against the Russian leader and, to free his development, gave up a queen for a rook. A draw by perpetual check was imminent when play stopped. Tal remained in first place with a score of 11-5.
Tigran Petrosian of Russia held second place at 11-6 after a draw with Raul Sanguinetti of Argentina in King's Indian defense after forty-one moves. Fridrik Olafsson, Iceland, had a bye and remained in third place with 10-6.
The United States chess champion, Bobby Fischer, drew in twenty-four moves with Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia. At 9½—6½, he was in a triple tie with David Bronstein of Russia and Pachman.
A draw was likely between James T. Sherwin of New York and Bent Larsen of Denmark after forty-one moves.
September 05 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Friday, September 05, 1958
Petrosian Draws, Takes Chess Lead
Tigran Petrosian and Mikhail Tal, the two Russian grandmasters, again changed places for the lead in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz last night.
Petrosian drew in sixteen moves with Oscar Panno of Argentina and Tal adjourned with Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland, according to a report from Yugoslavia. Petrosian leads with 11½-6½ against Tal with 11-5.
Olafsson at 10-6, was tied by Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia, who drew with Bobby Fischer, United States champion, in a Ruy Lopez, lasting thirty-six moves.
September 06 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, September 06, 1958
Tal Wins a Match Then Plays Draw To Lead in Chess
Mikhail Tal, the Soviet national champion, regained first place in the interzone chess tournament at Portoroz last night by winning 1½ points from two adjourned games, according to a report from Yugoslavia.
He took his seventeenth-round match with Oscar Panno of Argentina and then drew in the eighteenth round with Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland. Tal's score of 12½-5½ then topped the 11½-6½ of Tigran Petrosian of Russia.
Third place was taken by Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia with 11-6, who won both his unfinished games. In the seventeenth round he scored against Otto Neikirch of Bulgaria and followed with a victory over Geza Fuster of Canada.
David Bronstein of Russia, at 10½-6½, was tied by Olafsson because of the latter's draw with Tal.
Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, on equal terms with Laszlo Szabo of Hungary, was tied at 10—7 by Alexander Matanovic, Yugoslavia, who lost his seventeenth-round game to Pal Benko, Hungary.
The Montreal Star, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Saturday, September 06, 1958
Present Standing
Standings to date, are as follows:
Mikhail Tal, USSR, 11-5;
Tigran Petrosian, USSR, 10½-5½;
Fridrik Olafsson, Iceland, 10-6;
Alexander Matanovic, Yugoslavia, 9½-5½;
Yuri Averbakh, USSR,
David Bronstein, USSR,
Bobby Fischer, USA,
Svetozar Gligoric, Yugoslavia and
Ludek Pachman, Czechoslovakia, 9-6;
Pal Benko, Hungary,
Dr. Miroslav Filip, Czechoslovakia,
Oscar Panno, Argentina and
Laszlo Szabo, Hungary, 8½-6½;
Bent Larsen, Denmark, 7-8;
Otto Neikirch, Bulgaria, 7-9;
Raul Sanguinetti, Argentina, 6½-8½;
James Sherwin, USA, 6-9;
Hector Rossetto, Argentina, 5-10;
Rodolfo Cardoso, Philippines, 4-11;
Boris de Grief, Colombia, 2½-12½; and
Geza Fuster, Canada 2-14.
September 07 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, September 07, 1958
Fischer Retains Hopes of Gaining
U.S. Youth and 3 Russians in Strong Bids to Reach Challengers' Chess
As the end of the interzone chess at Portoroz, Yugoslavia, approaches the Russians are making a strong bid to land three of the six places in next year's challengers' tournament.
Bobby Fischer, the 15-year-old United States champion, also is in a good position to qualify. None of the four Russian contenders has been able to win from him. He drew with each—David Bronstein, Yuri Auerbach, Mikhail Tal and Tigran Petrosian.
The most noteworthy of Fischer's performances was his game with Petrosian, who has been rivaling Tal, Soviet national champion, for first place.
Fischer, on the black side of a King's Indian defense, fought the grandmaster to a standstill in sixty-seven moves. Petrosian appeared to have the better of it, with two connected passed pawns. The Russian was first to queen a pawn, but the American resorted to a technical draw, possible because his pawn, having reached the seventh rank, was on the queen's bishop file. The game is included in the following selection received here from Portoroz:
The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Sunday, September 07, 1958
Tal Leads Interzonal Chess; Fischer Gains
Mikhail Tal, Russian chess champion, moved into first place with a score of 11-5 after completing the 16th round of the Interzonal Chess Tournament at Portoroz, Yugoslavia, according to a report from the New York Times.
After an early loss to Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia, Tal has played steady and consistently sound chess, winning seven and drawing eight games. He still faces a difficult schedule, with four games remaining against Oscar Panno of Argentina, Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland, Tigran Petrosian of Russia and James T. Sherwin of the U.S.A.
Petrosian, who had been leading most of the way, lost for the first time to Bent Larson of Denmark, who scored with a Bird's Opening in 41 moves. Petrosian is in second place with 10½-5½, which includes six wins and nine draws.
In third place is Olafsson, with a 10-6 tally. More erratic than the Russians, he has been on the losing end three times, but has seven wins and six draws. Slightly behind him is Matanovic, with 9½-5½
U.S Champion Bobby Fischer advanced during last week's play to a tie for fifth at 9-6. Sharing that score are Yuri Auerbach and David Bronstein of Russia, Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia and Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia.
In the 13th round Fischer was paired with Petrosian, and adopted the King's Indian Defense. A difficult rook and pawn ending resulted, which was drawn after 67 moves in two sessions.
Fischer then went 90 moves and three sessions against fellow American Sherwin. The latter finally missed his way and lost in a theoretically drawn rook and pawn end-game.
Fischer made it two in a row by defeating Boris deGreif of Colombia. The South American sacrificed a piece to gain the initiative, but Bobby put up a stout defense. Overstepping the time limit, deGrief lost in 35 moves. In his final game of the week, Fischer drew with Lazlo Szabo of Hungary in 33 moves.
Sherwin did not fare so well, losing two and drawing two of his games for the week. Pitted against Bronstein, he adopted the English Opening and stood up stoutly until he lost his grip under the pressure of the time limit. Sherwin lost a piece and exceeded the time limit after 39 moves.
In two long endgames, each of which went into a second session, Sherwin drew with Paul Benko, former Hungarian champion who is now residing in the U.S., in 68 moves.
Following is the standing of the players after 16 rounds, and games from the tournament.
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, September 07, 1958
Fischer, Filip Draw In International Chess
Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, gained another half point last night in the nineteenth round of the interzonal tournament at Portoroz, according to a report from Yugoslavia.
The 15-year-old Brooklyn player resorted to the King's Indian defense against Dr. Miroslav Filip of Czechoslovakia. After several exchanges the two agreed to a draw following seventeen moves.
This left Fischer in a triple tie for seventh place, at 10½—7½ with Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia and Laszlo Szabo of Hungary.
Mikhail Tal, the Soviet national champion, had a bye but kept the lead with 12½—5½ as against 11½—6½ for Tigran Petrosian of Russia, who adjourned with Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland. Olafsson sacrificed a pawn for the attack. It is believed the game will end in a draw. In that case Petrosian still would be second.
James T. Sherwin of New York, pitted against Oscar Panno of Buenos Aires, built up a fine position against the latter's King Indian defense, but spoiled his chances under time pressure, losing in forty-four moves.
September 08 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Monday, September 08, 1958
Gligoric Advances In Portoroz Chess
Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia moved closer to the lead in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, Yugoslavia, last night, according to a report received here.
Gligoric defeated Hector Rosetto of Argentina in a forty-one move Ruy Lopez in the completion of an adjourned nineteenth-round game. He then drew with Pal Benko of Hungary after twelve moves in a King's Indian defense in the twentieth round.
Gligoric is second with a score of 12½-6½. The leader, Mikhail Tal, the Soviet national champion, drew with a fellow-countryman, Tigran Petrosian, in a King's Indian defense of twenty-two moves. Tal, with a record of 13-6 with one round remaining, clinched his place in next year's challengers tournament.
Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, adjourned after forty-one moves with Rodolfo Cardoso of the Philippines, who set up a Caro-Kann defense. Fischer had the better prospects in an ending with minor pieces. Fischer, with a 10½—7½ record, is given a fair chance to qualify.
September 09 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, September 09, 1958
Fischer Bolsters Tourney Position
Beats Cardoso in Portoroz Chess to Stay in Running for Challengers' Event
With one more round to be contested in the interzonal chess tournament at Portoroz, Mikhail Tal, the Soviet national champion, continued in the lead, according to a report from Yugoslavia yesterday.
Tal had 13 points, to 12½ for Tigran Petrosian, also of Russia, and Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia. The three are assured of advancement into the challengers' tournament next year. Three more places depend on results in the final round tomorrow.
Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, won his adjourned twentieth-round game from Rodolfo Cardoso of the Philippines in sixty-two moves in a bishop versus knight ending.
The 15-year-old Brooklynite has an excellent chance for one of the three remaining places. At 11½ points he is tied with David Bronstein of Russia, who is still undefeated.
James T. Sherwin of New York took his twentieth-round match with Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland in forty-one moves without resuming play. Olafsson, however, was able to draw with Petrosian, in the nineteenth round after 77 moves.
September 11 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, September 11, 1958
Fischer Finishes With 12-8 Record
Brooklyn Boy 5th in Chess Tourney Which Winds Up Tonight in Yugoslavia
Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, the 15-year-old United States chess champion, drew with Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia in the twenty-first round of the interzone tournament at Portoroz last night, according to a report from Yugoslavia.
Thus, Fischer completed competition with a score of 12—8 and stood in fifth place. Observers felt he would finish in the first six, enabling him to play in the challengers' tournament next year.
His final position will be determined tonight when four adjourned games are completed.
Four players ahead of him in the standing have qualified. They are Mikhail Tal of Russia, Gligoric, Pal Benko of Hungary and Tigran Petrosian of Russia.
David Bronstein of Russia was surprisingly in trouble in his unfinished game with Rodolfo Cardoso of the Philippines, whose adjourned position is regarded as strong.
Laszlo Szabo of Hungary, who also has a chance to overtake Fischer, was in an inferior position in his game with Oscar Panno of Argentina. Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland should equal Fischer's score by winning from Boris deGrief of Colombia.
September 12 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Friday, September 12, 1958
Fischer, 15, Gets Top Chess Status
Brooklyn Player Is Youngest to Become International Grand Master
Portoroz, Yugoslavia, Sept. 11 (AP) — Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, the 15-year-old United States champion, became an international chess grand master today. He is the youngest player to hold that title.
Fischer tied for fifth in the interzone tournament here, played in a framework of world championship competition. He thus received the title of international grand master.
This marked a brilliant success for Fischer, who was competing in his first, international tournament.
He qualified with the five other leaders for next year's tournament of candidates. The winner of that event will meet the world champion, Mikhail Botvinnik of the Soviet Union, in 1960 for the title.
The young American played very successfully here. He drew against all the Soviet grand masters represented. From 20 possible points he collected 12.
A Hungarian refugee, Paul Benko, a member of the United States Chess Federation, shared third place with a Soviet grand master, Tigran Petrosian. Benko, too, became an international grand master.
First place here was taken by Mikhail Tal of the U.S.S.R. Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia was the runner-up.
Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland tied Fischer for fifth.
About 40 In Select Group
As an international grand master Fischer belongs to the most exclusive chess fraternity in the world.
A spokesman for the Manhattan Chess Club estimated Thursday that there were only about forty international grand masters now playing.
If chess players distinguish themselves in American tournament play, they become masters: if, among masters, a player continues to win, then in America, he becomes a grand master. Before Fischer left for his international competition, he was regarded as a grand master.
To go any higher in the echelons of chess reputation a grand master must excel among the grand masters of the world. When Fischer did this, he was named by the game's international body—the International Chess Federation in Stockholm (referred to as Federation Internationale des Echecs)—as an international grand master.
4 Adjourned Games Played
The interzone tournament ended Thursday when four adjourned games were finished, according to a report from Yugoslavia.
David Bronstein of the Soviet Union was upset by Rodolfo Cardoso of the Philippines.
Fischer won six games in all, drew twelve and lost two, to Benko and Olafsson, respectively. In the Brooklyn student's last game, he drew with Gligoric on the black side of a Sicilian defense in thirty-two moves.
September 14 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, September 14, 1958
Fischer Will Face Russians In Chess: Brooklyn Boy to Play Keres and Smyslov Next Year in Challengers' Tourney
By finishing in a fifth-place tie in the recent interzonal tournament at Portoroz, Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn earned the promotion to next year's challengers' tournament, to be held in Europe at a place yet to be determined.
On the strength of this showing, the 15-year-old United States champion is fully entitled to the rank of international grandmaster bestowed upon him by the authorities at Stockholm, headquarters of the International Chess Federation.
Fischer now will get the chance to meet Vassily Smyslov and Paul Keres, the two Russians he could not play on a recent visit to Moscow. Smyslov and Keres were seeded into the challengers' event.
Another selection of game scores from Portoroz includes two additional specimens of Fischer's play and examples by leaders. These include Mikhail Tal, the winner; Tigran Petrosian, Fridrik Olafsson and James T. Sherwin of New York.
The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, September 14, 1958
Tal, Gligoric Lead Interzonal Chess
With one more round remaining to be contested in the Interzonal Chess Tournament at Portoroz, Yugoslavia, Mikhail Tal, the Soviet national champion, continues in the lead, according to a report from the New York Times.
Tal has a score of 13-6 and is certain to finish first or second, depending on the outcome of the final round, in which he is paired with James T. Sherwin of New York.
Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, who has advanced rapidly, with four wins and a draw in his last five games, is second with 12½-6½. His last-round opponent is U.S. Champion Bobby Fischer. This will be a vital encounter for both players.
Tigran Petrosian of Russia, after leading for most of the tournament, only scored four points of his last nine games. He has completed his schedule with a tally of 12½-7½.
In fourth place is Paul Benko, who earned his place in the tournament as a representative of Hungary, but has now established residence in the U.S. Benko has 12-7, with seven wins, 10 draws and losses only to Tal and Oscar Panno of Argentina. Benko's final game is with Otto Neikirch of Bulgaria.
Fischer, with 11½-7½, is tied for fifth place with David Bronstein of Russia. The 15-year-old Brooklyn schoolboy kept pace with the leaders last week, with three draws and a win.
The drawn games, all rather uneventful, were against Ludek Pachman of Czechoslovakia, Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia and Dr. Miroslav Filip of Czechoslovakia. Fischer then defeated Rodolfo Cardoso of the Philippine Islands in a bishop-versus-knight ending that lasted 62 moves.
Sherwin, the other American representative in the tournament, took a game from Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland. This was his total of the week, however, as Sherwin lost in succession to Bent Larsen of Denmark and Raul Sanguinetti and Oscar Panno of Argentina.
According to the latest report from Portoroz, the six leading players will qualify for the Challenger's Tournament, to be held next year. Tal, Gligoric and Petrosian are certain to advance. Fischer has good prospects, depending, of course, on his final battle with Gligoric.
September 18 1958
Courier-Post, Camden, New Jersey, Thursday, September 18, 1958
Fine Playing of Youth Bobby Fischer, Big Story of Week
Bobby Fischer's fine showing at Portoroz, in qualifying for the challengers' tournament next year and becoming the youngest international grand master in history, of course was the big story of the chess world during the past week.
The 15-year-old United States champion tied for fifth place among the 21 players in the interzonal with Fridrick Olafsson, of Iceland, one of the two who won a game from him. Soviet champion Mikhail Tal finished first, followed by Svetozar Gligoric, of Yugoslavia, Hungarian refugee Pal Benko (now a resident of Cleveland and a U.S Chess Federation member) and Tigran Petrosian, of Russia, in that order to make up, with Fischer and Olafsson, the six qualifiers for next year.
Fischer finished with 12 out of a possible 20 points by scoring six victories, drawing 12 games, and losing twice. Benko was the only player besides Olafsson to defeat him. He drew with all four of the Russians, an earlier report that he beat Tal proving erroneous.
During his visit to Russia and the Portoroz tournament Bobby did not get to play either ex-world champion Vassily Smyslov or Paul Keres, who are perhaps the Soviet's strongest players except for world champion Mikhail Botvinnik. Keres and Smyslov, who finished one-two in the last challenger's event, will be seeded into competition in next year's tourney and Bobby will get his chance to play them then. The winner of the tournament will met Botvinnik in 1960 for the world's title.
It is unnecessary to elaborate on Fischer's remarkable showing at Portoroz. He fully lived up to all his previous promise in his first trip abroad and his first tournament where the competition was so stiff. He has “convinced” European observers who at first tended to underrate him, saying “After all, he's only 15.” If his game continues to improve in the next two years as it has in the last two, Botvinnik's crown rests uneasily indeed upon his head today.
Bobby now has returned home and resumed his studies as a junior at Erasmus Hall High School, Brooklyn. Last week there were reports that he was stranded in Yugoslavia for lack of funds to return home, but the $340 prize money he won was more than ample for plane fare back. He is writing a book on chess that is due to be published next year.
He says the thing he liked best at Portoroz was getting an even score with the four Russian grand masters — Tal, Petrosian, Bronstein and Auerbach. The thing he liked least was having to sign hundreds of autographs. He also says he should have won the two games he lost.
One of his games and another from the tournament are appended.
The Guardian, London, Greater London, England, Thursday, September 18, 1958
This position arose in the interzonal tournament between Bobby Fischer, the American champion (aged 15) and Mikhail Tal, the Russian champion (aged 22). Fischer drew by 1 … but he could instead had forced a win. How?
September 20 1958
The Montreal Star, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Saturday, September 20, 1958
Let's Play Chess
Young American Champion Wins Grand Master Rating
Young Grandmaster
Bobby Fischer, 15-year-old United States chess champion, from Brooklyn, became an international Grandmaster at the Interzonal Tournament, recently completed in Portoroz, Yugoslavia.
At the same time he succeeded in qualifying for the next year's Challenger's Tournament, which will be held with a view to choosing a challenger for the World Championship, now held by Mikhail Botvinnik, of the U.S.S.R.
Six players qualified in the 21-round Portoroz event. They are, in order of their standing:
1. Mikhail Tal, U.S.S.R.,
2. Svetozar Gligoric, Yugoslavia,
3 and 4. Pal Benko, Hungary, and Tigran Petrosian, U.S.S.R.;
5. and 6. Bobby Fischer, U.S.A. and Fridrik Olafsson, Iceland.
Bobby Fischer is the youngest player in history to achieve the distinction of Grandmastership.
September 21 1958
The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Sunday, September 21, 1958
Fischer Places, Made Grandmaster
In a tense last-round battle at the Interzonal Chess Tournament at Portoroz, Yugoslavia, 15-year-old Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn drew with Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia. The youthful U.S. chess champion finished in a tie for fifth place, sufficient to qualify for the Challengers Tournament next year, according to a report from the New York Times.
Fischer, with the black pieces, elected to play a variation of the Sicilian Defense which is considered inferior. Gligoric sacrificed a piece for strong attacking chances. Bobby held firmly, however, and after 32 moves a draw was agreed.
Brilliantly successful in his first international tournament, Fischer scored 12-8, winning six games, drawing 12 and losing only to Fridrick Olafsson of Iceland, with whom he tied in the standings, and to Paul Benko, former Hungarian champion, now a U.S. resident.
As a result of his score in this top-flight competition, Fischer became an international grandmaster. The announcement was made at the Stockholm headquarters of the International Chess Federation. Fischer is the youngest player ever to receive this rank.
First place in the tournament was taken, as expected, by Russian Champion Mikhail Tal, who drew in the last round with James T. Sherwin of New York to finish with a score of 13½-6½. Tal lost only one game, to Alexander Matanovic of Yugoslavia, won eight and drew 11.
Gligoric took second place, half a point behind the leader. He also scored eight wins, but drew 10 and lost twice, to Olafsson and Sherwin.
Benko tied for third and fourth with Tigran Petrosian of Russia, at 12½-7½. Benko also became an international grandmaster by virtue of his sterling performance in this event.
The major upset of the final round was the defeat of David Bronstein of Russia by Rodolfo Cardoso of the Philippine Islands. Bronstein had played superior chess and seemed to have victory in sight when he blundered under time pressure. This was Bronstein's first loss of the tournament, leaving him tied for seventh with his fellow-Russian Yuri Averbakh.
The top six will compete next year with Vassily Smyslov and Paul Keres of Russia, to determine the next challenger for the world title held by Mikhail Botvinnik of Russia. A match for the championship will be arranged in 1960.
Following are the details of the final round, and games from Portoroz. The complete cross-table is at the bottom of the column.
Fort Lauderdale News, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sunday, September 21, 1958
Bobby Fischer, the Brooklyn wonder boy of chess, has been awarded the title of international grandmaster. The 15-year-old prodigy is the youngest player to whom the honor has ever been given.
He won the award as a result of his brilliant performance in the Interzonal Tournament held recently in Yugoslavia in which 21 of the world's best players competed. Fischer finished in a tie for fifth place, thus qualifying for next year's Candidates tournament. The winner of that event will then meet world champion Mikhail Botvinnik in 1960 for the world title.
Others who qualified were Mikhail Tal of Russia, Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, Paul Benko of Hungary, Tigran Petrosian of Russia and Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland. Also eligible for the Candidates Tournament are Vassily Smyslov and Paul Keres who placed first and second in the last Candidates Tournament.
September 28 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, September 28, 1958
Eight Will Play In World Chess
Six Stars Who Qualified at Interzonal, Smyslov and Keres Will Compete
Two years ago, at Amsterdam, the Netherlands, ten competed in the challengers' tournament which determined the candidate to meet Mikhail Botvinnik of Russia for the world championship at chess.
It resulted in a triumph for Vassily Smyslov who, in due course, became Botvinnik's successor, but lost the title in the return match. Smyslov, as well as Paul Keres, the runner-up, were seeded into the challengers' test of 1959.
They will meet the six that recently qualified in the interzonal at Portoroz, including Bobby Fischer, U.S. champion. Of these only Tigran Petrosian of Russia again will be competing.
Others are Mikhail Tal the Soviet champion; Svetozar Gligoric, Yugoslavia; Fridrik Olafsson, Iceland; and Pal Benko, a Hungarian refugee soon to return to Cleveland, where he has made his home.
Benko, still in Europe, has been added to the United States delegation at the chess Olympics starting Tuesday in Munich. He will serve in an advisory capacity.
Iceland in Running
The International Federation at Stockholm as intimated that if Argentina fails to be host to the challengers tournament, the bid of Iceland will receive serious consideration.
The enthusiasm for chess in Reykjavik has been heightened by the brilliant showing made by Olafsson at Portoroz, where he finished in fifth place.
Winning eight games, drawing eight and losing four, he made a score of 12—8, equal to that of Fischer. Olafsson will head the team representing Iceland at Munich.
Another selection of games played in Portoroz, including specimens of Olafsson's play and two by Tal, winner of the tournament, have reached here from Yugoslavia, as follows:
Mednis and Fischer Tie
Edmar Mednis, New York University star and a member of the United States intercollegiate team at Varna, shared the honors of the weekly speed tournament with Bobby Fischer. United States champion, at the Marshall Chess Club. Both rolled up a score of 13-2 in a field of 16.
Jack W. Collins, former New York State champion, who was the only player able to win from the 15-year-old international grandmaster, recently returned from Portoroz.
James T. Sherwin, also a contestant in the tournament at Portoroz, placed third with 12-3. Allen Kaufman, 11½-3½, was fourth. Collins tied at 11-4 with Vincent Noga.
The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Sunday, September 28, 1958
The Russians, winners of the last three tournaments, are again outstanding favorites. Taking no chances, they are leading with World Champion Mikhail Botwinnik and former Titleholder Vassily Smyslov, Paul Keres, David Bronstein, Mikhail Tal and Tigran Petrosian complete the line-up.
October 10 1958
October 11 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, October 11, 1958
U.S. Paired With Soviet Team In First Round of Title Chess
Lombardy Takes Reshevsky's Place Against Botvinnik in No. 1 Match
The remainder of the twelve teams that will compete in the championship round of the international chess tournament at Munich were decided last night when the adjourned games from the eighth and ninth rounds were played, according to a report from Germany.
Three teams from each of the four sections of preliminary competition qualified to play for the title held by the Soviet Union.
With the preliminaries completed, the draw was made and the United States and the U.S.S.R. were paired for the first round today.
Because Samuel Reshevsky, an Orthodox Jew, does not play on the Sabbath, the defenders were asked to let his game with Mikhail Botvinnik, the world titleholder, begin after sundown.
This was denied. Consequently, the No. 1 place on the United States team will be taken by William Lombardy, a 20-year-old star from City College, and holder of the world junior title.
The Russians again finished at the top in their division, the first, while the United States was half a point below Spain in the second. Argentina set the pace in Section 3 and Czechoslovakia barely outpointed Yugoslavia in Section 4.
Final totals of those that qualified:
Section 1—Soviet Union 27-5; Bulgaria, 21½-10½; Austria, 21-11.
Section 2—Spain, 23½-8½; United States, 23-9; West Germany 22½-9½.
Section 3—Argentina, 23-9; East Germany, 21-11; England, 20-12.
Section 4—Czechoslovakia, 25-7; Yugoslavia, 24-8; Switzerland, 20-12.
The individual records of the five players who represented the United States show that Larry Evans, Nicolas Rossolimo and Lombardy bore the brunt of the fighting. Arranged in the order of the boards they occupied the eight matches, the figures were:
Samuel Reshevsky, 1½-1½;
William Lombardy, 5½-2½;
Arthur B. Bisguier, 4-3;
Larry Evans, 6½-1½;
Nicolas Rossolimo, 5½-½.
The Soviet Union's figures:
Mikhail Botvinnik, 3½-1½;
Vassily Smyslov, 4-1;
Paul Keres, 4½-½;
David Bronstein, 4½-½;
Mikhail Tal, 5½-½;
Tigran Petrosian, 5-1.
Lombardy played the following brilliant game at Board No. 1 against Finland.
William Lombardy vs Eero Einar Book
Munich Olympiad qual-2 (1958), Munich FRG, rd 4, Oct-04
Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation (B90) 1-0
October 14 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Tuesday, October 14, 1958
Germany Leading U.S. Chess Team In Munich Finals
West Germany endangered the chances of the United States yesterday in the third round of the international team chess finals at Munich. According to a report from Germany, the Germans held a lead of 1½-½, with two games adjourned.
At the first board, Wolfgang Unzicker defeated Samuel Reshevsky, America's international grandmaster, on the black side of a Sicilian defense in thirty-six moves.
At the fourth board, Nicolas Rossolimo of the United States drew with Gerhard Pfeiffer in twenty moves.
Larry Evans, who adjourned a Sicilian defense with Lothar Schmid after forty moves, was a likely winner.
Arthur B. Bisguier of New York played a French defense against Torger at the second board and adjourned after forty moves.
The Soviet Union beat West Germany, 2½-1½, in the second round.
October 15 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, October 15, 1958
U.S. Trips Britain In Munich Chess; Ties Soviet Union for 4th Place—Reshevsky Victor in 33-Move Match
The United States defeated Britain yesterday, 2½ to ½, in the fourth round of the international team chess tournament in Munich. The victory, with one game adjourned, enabled the Americans to tie the Soviet Union for fourth place at 9-6.
In other matches, according to a report from Germany, the Soviet team played a 2-2 tie with Yugoslavia; Argentina won from East Germany, 2½-½, with one game adjourned, and Czechoslovakia led Switzerland, 1½-½, with two adjourned.
Spain defeated Austria, 2½-1½, while West Germany and Bulgaria scored 1½ points each, with one game adjourned.
For the United States, Samuel Reshevsky defeated C.H.O'D Alexander of England in thirty-three moves; Arthur B. Bisguier won from Jonathan Penrose in thirty-nine moves and Nicholas Rossolimo drew with P. H. Clarke in forty-one moves.
The game between Larry Evans of the United States and Harry Golombek ran for forty-one moves before being adjourned. Evans had a slight edge in position.
October 22 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, October 22, 1958
Soviet Team Clinches Honors In Chess Tournament at Munich
Soviet grand masters at chess won their unfinished ninth-round match against East Germany by a score of 4-0 yesterday in the international team tournament at Munich and then blanked Austria in the tenth round, according to a report from Germany.
With a total score of 31-9, the U.S.S.R. clinched the honors in the tournament regardless of the results in today's eleventh and final round.
Mikhail Botvinnik, the world champion, Paul Keres, David Bronstein and Mikhail Tal presented a solid front against the Austrians.
The United States took a lead of 2-0, with two games adjourned, against Switzerland, William Lombardy, at the second board, defeated Blau and Larry Evans, No. 4 in the lineup, won from Nievergelt. Samuel Reshevsky and Arthur B. Bisguier adjourned their games.
Yugoslavia, with 26 points, is in second place, followed by Argentina, 23; the United States, 21, and Czechoslovakia, 20.
October 23 1958
New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, October 23, 1958
U.S. Plays 3 Draws In Chess at Munich
Having successfully defended the Hamilton Russell chess trophy by clinching the international team tournament at Munich, the Soviet players wound up their schedule last night by defeating Switzerland, 3½-½, according to a report from Germany.
The Russians emerged undefeated, having won eight matches and played 2-2 ties with the United States, Yugoslavia and Argentina for a total score of 34½-9½.
In the eleventh-round match with the Swiss team, Vassily Smyslov drew at the top board with Kupper, David Bronstein won from Blau, Mikhail Tal outplayed Walther and Tigran Petrosian scored against Nievergelt.
The United States team won its unfinished tenth-round match with Switzerland, 2½-1½, and then met Spain in the eleventh round. Two games were drawn and two adjourned. Samuel Reshevsky drew a King's Indian defense in fifteen moves with Pomar. Arthur B. Bisguier finished a Sicilian defense with Toran in twenty-six moves.
William Lombardy adjourned with Perez in a King's Indian defense after forty moves. The American was three pawns ahead with victory in sight. Larry Evans played forty moves in a Dutch defense with Farre and adjourned in an even position.
In the tenth round Reshevsky drew his adjourned game with Kupper in forty-five moves and Bisguier lost to Walther in forty-seven.
November 09 1958
The Norman Transcript, Norman, Oklahoma, Sunday, November 09, 1958
Spann: Chess, Football Alike
The Americans' habits of using football terminology to describe chess plays drew amused comments from other players and spectators. But to Spann, there are a lot of similarities between the two games.
“You can play a careful, conservative game and go for the short ground gains, the plunges into the line,” he said. “Or you can gamble and throw a long pass.”
The Russians have both types of players, he added. The older, more conservative types like Botvinnik and Vassily Smyslov played careful, methodical games. But 22-year-old Mikhail Tal, the current champion of Russia, “is a tremendously aggressive, almost explosive character,” Spann said.
“Tal stares hard at his opponent, rather than the board, almost as though he were trying to hypnotize him,” Spann said. “If he intends to make a pawn a queen, for example, he will take a queen from an unused board and place it on the table in front of him as a warning of what he intends and a deliberate challenge to his opponent.”
November 20 1958
Courier-Post, Camden, New Jersey, Thursday, November 20, 1958
Possibly the strongest player in the world today is Mikhail Tal, the 21-year-old Soviet champion. His play in the recent interzonal and world team championships is not conclusive, but plausible evidence of his claim to that honor. He certainly is more aggressive than Botvinnik or Smyslov and his games are more pleasing to follow. Perhaps in the next year or two Tal and Bobby Fischer will be fighting it out for the title now held by Botvinnik.
Below is one of Tal's games from the team championship. Of course, the questioned move (16) by his Bulgarian opponent was a blunder and made Tal's victory in this game easy. Black evidently let his desire to castle get the better of him in a game that was not too one-sided up to then and that got away from beaten paths.
Mikhail Tal vs Georgi Tringov
Munich Olympiad Final-A (1958), Munich FRG, rd 3, Oct-13
Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation (B96) 1-0
