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Chess Chats Sun, Jun 25, 1972 – 12 · The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, California) · Newspapers.com
AN EARLY FISCHER GAME
Fridrik Olafsson vs Robert James Fischer
Portoroz Interzonal (1958), Portoroz SLO, rd 11, Aug-22
Queen's Gambit Declined: Ragozin Defense (D38) 1-0
Played in the Interzonal At Porteroz, Yugoslavia, 1961
(a) A difficult variation for Black.
(b) Thus far as in the game Stahlbert-Dr. Filip, Helsinki, 1952. Black played 12 … P-R3; 13. P-B4 with the better game.
(c) A mistake that loses the exchange. P-B4 was better.
(d) Black in his turn overlooks his opponent's reply. B-Q3 was best.
(e) Not 20. NxR, when Black wins a piece by 20 … B-R4.
(f) Has no time to rescue the Bishop, as Q-N6ch is threatened.
(g) This move eventually wins the KP.
(h) Not 33. BxPch, RxB.
(i) If 44 … K-Q2; 45. P-B7; or 44 … K-B2; 45. B-R5 mate.
THE HEAT IS ON
June and July are hot in Belgrade. That is why Boris Spassky preferred nice cool Reykjavik in Iceland as a World Championship match site. But the Belgrade evening paper “Express” published the following observations by Grandmaster Alexander Matanovic: “Spassky complains that Belgrade's warm weather does not suit him, I believe, however, that it will be too hot for him during that match wherever it might take place — even if it were at the North Pole.”
THE CRYSTAL BALL
What do the Grandmasters think will be the outcome of this match? Here are a few returns from a survey I have been conducting.
Henrique Mecking, Brazil: Fischer will win by three points (12½-9½).
Walter Browne, Australia: Fischer will have no trouble-12½-7½.
Svetozar Gligoric, Yugoslavia: Bobby will win, but it could be very close-12½-10½.
Lubomir Kavalek, USA: If draws don't count it might run into 1234 games. Joking aside, Fischer will win by a wide margin, 12½-6½.
Sir Harry Golombek, England: It should be Fischer if he can overcome his nerves in the first four games. He has to have a plus score to play with ease and sureness. If he is behind in points, then he can easily lose the match. Spassky is no weak sister. Fischer has not been successful in the last five encounters against Spassky.
Miguel Quinteros, Argentina: Easy win for Fischer.
Bruno Parma, Yugoslavia: Always thought that it would be a toss-up, but with the latest form showing, I must lean towards Fischer winning 12½-11½.
Oscar Panno, Argentina: Spassky will win, by 12-7. Fischer is all sparkle but Spassky is solid.
Bent Larsen, Denmark: This match should be won by Boris Spassky.
