The Times-News Twin Falls, Idaho Monday, December 18, 1961 - Page 6
Chess Tourney Opens Sunday
New York, Dec. 18 (UPI)—The U.S. chess championship opened yesterday but there was only one winner in first round play.
Edmar Mednis of New York beat Herbert Seidman, New York. Other first round matches saw Donald Byrne, University Park, Pa., play to a draw with James T. Sherwin, New York. Robert Byrne drew with Pal Benko, New York.
Twelve players participated in the tournament, the winner of which will succeed national champion Bobby Fischer. Fischer, an 18-year-old prodigy from Brooklyn, did not defend his title.