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Chess 20 Jun 1959, Sat The Montreal Star (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) Newspapers.comLet's Play Chess
Young Russian Grandmaster Captures Zurich Tourney
By William Oaker
Russian Victor
Mikhail Tal, 23-year-old Russian Grandmaster, has won the Jubilee Tournament at Zurich, Switzerland, it has been learned.
The young Grandmaster, who won the championship of the Soviet Union at the age of 19, and who is considered the favorite to dethrone the present world champion, finished with a final score of 11½-3½.
Following closely on his heels was Svetozar Gligoric, of Yugoslavia, only a half-point behind, while only a half-point behind him came 16-year-old Bobby Fischer, youthful champion of the United States who tied for third and fourth place with Paul Keres, of Russia.
Tal lost early in the tourney to also-run Bhend, of Switzerland, but went on from there without loss, winning nine and drawing five.
The remarkable “Bobby,” who had been somewhat out of form in recent events in Argentina and Chile, was almost unbeatable for most of the tournament. He had not lost a single game until the 10th round, when he was beaten by Gligoric. He later dropped a point to Kupper, of Switzerland, ending up with eight wins, five draws and two losses.
The youth has decided to remain in Europe giving exhibitions until the Challengers Tourney, in September.