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Chess 24 Oct 1959, Sat The Montreal Star (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) Newspapers.com
Let's Play Chess
Mathematical Chance Held By Two Near Tourney End
By William Oaker
The struggle for first place in the Challengers Tourney, now drawing to a conclusion in Bled, Yugoslavia, has reached a climax in the 24th round, as only two players retain a mathematical chance of taking first prize and thus qualifying for a match for the World Championship.
Mikhail Tal and Paul Keres, both U.S.S.R. Grandmasters, are locked in a struggle of the 64 squares.
After 21 rounds, the 22-year-old Tal led the middle-aged Keres by one-and-a-half points. The big question was could the older man catch the youngster who has twice been proclaimed Soviet champion, the first time at the age of 19. He has since become the most feared competitor in the world.
In the 22nd round both players succeeded in winning, Tal defeating former world champion Vassily Smyslov, of the U.S.S.R. and Keres beating U.S. champion, 16-year-old Bobby Fischer. In the 23rd round, however, Keres lost to Smyslov while Tal turned back Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia.
It was felt that Keres' long quest for the world title had come to an end but in the 24th round, these two rivals met in an individual game. After five hours of play, Keres had won a pawn, and the game was adjourned. Expert opinion considers that the older man will probably win this game. They are playing it to a finish this morning.
Should Tal succeed in turning the tables as he has done again and again during his remarkable career, he would then lead by 3½ points with only four rounds remaining. Should he draw, he would retain his present lead of 2½ points. Either of these results is virtually to concede the tournament to him. Should Keres win, however, it would leave his hopes still glowing, however feebly.
