AThe Miami News Miami, Florida Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 18
Chess Champion Throws Tantrum
Los Angeles (AP) — U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer thinks he's been rooked.
The 16-year-old refused to show up yesterday at 11 a.m. for a match against challenger Samuel Reshevsky. He said he wasn't used to play in the morning.
The referee called it a forfeit. But Fischer says forfeits aren't allowed.
No one is sure whose move is next.
The problem began 10 days ago when local officials rescheduled the 12th game of a 16-game series from Saturday to Sunday. Reshevsky will not play on the Jewish sabbath.
Says Fischer: “I'm not used to playing at 11 — it's ridiculous. Why should I accommodate him? Maybe he hoped I'd be tired and he'd get a draw.”
Despite repeated calls and warnings, Fischer refused to leave his Hollywood hotel.
“So when he didn't come by noon,” said referee Irving Rivise, “I called it a forfeit.”.
“I never expected this one,” said Reshevsky. He promptly checked out of his hotel and took his one point lead to New York, where the series continues this week.
But Fischer said he won't accept the forfeit.
“We agreed before the match there could be no forfeits. It's just a little joke they're trying to play on me.” he declared. “We just have to play this off in New York.”
If the forfeit is upheld by New York officials, Fischer said he won't finish the match.
The teenager said those in charge during the eight games here are “pro-Reshevsky,” and:
“They've been making the adjourned games at screwy hours so I'll be tired.”
! The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Monday, August 14, 1961 - Page 73, (★) “Chess Champ Forfeits by Failing to Appear”
