< Prev Index Next >
The Game of Kings Sat, Mar 25, 1972 – 53 · The Gazette (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) · Newspapers.com
Party Line
Shortly after Fischer had defeated Petrosian in their match at Buenos Aires, Svetozar Gligoric, the Yugoslav grandmaster and journalist arranged a three-way telephonic conference by Radio Belgrade in Buenos Aires, and Spassky in Moscow. A question and answer period on their views concerning their forthcoming match for the world title. It later appeared in the Yugoslav daily “Politika”, and in abbreviated form in the Swiss magazine “Chess Express”, from which we quote:
Asked about a start, both suggested June. Spassky for personal reasons, and Fischer because he wants ample time to prepare. As to the place?
Spassky: I prefer a country with a climate resembling my native town of Leningrad. For this reason a city in the northern regions would be desirable.
Fischer: For me money is most important. Climate only ranges second. (Offers were not then known).
Spassky: Is Fischer prepared to play in Europe, especially when he has played his matches hitherto in North and South America?
Fischer: Only when the highest offer comes from Europe.
Spassky: Would you play in Yugoslavia?
Fischer: Agreed, when the highest offer is made there.
Gligoric: If the match takes place in Belgrade, the venue would be the Syndicate Hall where the match Soviet Union against the Rest of the World was played. In which way should the decision be taken on the place for the match.
Fischer; Spassky and I should decide on the place. Perhaps I shall come to Amsterdam personally.
Spassky: If Fischer travels to Amsterdam, I would if possible come the same day to confer with Dr. Euwe and Fischer.
Gligoric: Will all 24 games be played? What do you think of the strength of your opponent? Who will act as chief arbiter? Who will be your second?
Spassky: At the moment I would prefer to postpone answering your question. In April or May I shall answer all questions in detail. I am strongly impressed with Fischer's play. I would like to have a say in the naming of the chief arbiter. For me it would be grandmaster Boleslavsky.
Fischer: I do not think that all 24 games will be necessary. But who knows. I shall prepare myself in the best possible way. I feel a great responsibility, because the public expects a lot from me. Spassky's turnout in Gothenburg was mediocre, and in Moscow he only finished 6/7th. What is there to think of that? In my opinion the arbiter should neither be a Russian nor an American and should not come from the country where the match is held. As to the second I have not decided anything yet.
