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Chess 05 Jul 1972, Wed The Signal (Santa Clarita, California) Newspapers.com
Crystal Ball No. 2
A couple of months ago, I reported here on the early results of a survey I had made among Grandmasters and others of distinction in the chess world. The question was: If the World Championship Match takes place, who will win, Boris Spassky or Robert Fischer?
The first predictions in were very heavily pro-Fischer. But, then, most of those questioned were from the West. Now other returns are in for a match that should have started by the time you read this. Outside the homeland of the World Champion, Fischer still appears to be the favorite.
Vlastimil Hort, Czechoslovakia: It will be a very interesting match, with Fischer having a slight edge. Score 12½-11½ for Fischer.
David Bronstein, USSR: Pity they didn't play the match in 1975 when draws will not count. It would have been a gigantic battle then; now the challenger is in a better position.
Aleksandr Kotov, USSR: I think the better man will win. With good preparations, Spassky should take it. Fischer's opponents so far have lost because they did not prepare themselves well against him theoretically and physically.
Vladas Mikenas, USSR: It will be a tremendous fight. The World Champion will remain World Champion.
Andre Lilienthal, USSR: Spassky.
Evgenij Vasukov, USSR: The interest for this match is bigger than for any match ever played in the history of chess. For over two decades it's been an all-Russian event. The challenger always has the advantage and has public support. I know for sure who will win, but it is my secret!
Vasily Smyslov, USSR: It is their business. I already had three matches for the World Championship, and that's enough.
Igor Bondarevsky, USSR: As an ex-second to Boris Spassky I can only say that it will be an interesting and difficult match.
Laszlo Szabo, Hungary: Robert Fischer is the best tournament player. We shall see who is the best match player, he or Spassky.
Hein Donner, Holland: Of course Fischer will win.
Florin Gheorgiu, Romania: It will be a great match if Spassky plays in his best form. This means that Fischer has better chances.
Salo Flohr, USSR: In spite of the great qualities of Fischer as a player, I did bet on Petrosian to beat Bobby in Buenos Aires. I lost 50 Rubles. But I will get many money back with ease this time. I am betting on Spassky.
Fridrich Olafsson, Iceland: I have always thought that Spassky is the better. I still think so.
Ivan Schankovic, USSR: I believe Spassky will not make the mistakes made by Taimanov. Larsen or Petrosian. He should win this exciting match.
Robert Byrne, USA: I believe Fischer will win in 21 games played. The score: 12½-8½. He will remain Champion of the World for the next 15 years.
Svetozar Gligoric, Yugoslavia: I now think the chances are even. For a while there were rumors that I would be Fischer's second. There's nothing in that.
Tigran Petrosian, former World Champion, USSR: If Spassky plays as he did in 1969, he will beat Fischer easily. Fischer has never won against Spassky, and that is a great advantage for Spassky. There is an old Russian proverb that applies here. It goes: “Do not trouble the head.”
The person who, as of this writing, appears the most certain of the outcome is, as you might well suspect, Robert Fischer. His faith in himself is absolute.
