First Round Opens in U.S. Chess Event

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The Times Shreveport, Louisiana Monday, December 18, 1961

First Round Opens in U.S. Chess Event
New York, Dec. 17 (UPI)—The first round of the U.S. Chess Championship opened here today with one win, two draws and three adjournments.
National Champion Bobby Fischer, the 18-year-old prodigy from Brooklyn, is staking his title on the play against 11 other players, however, he did not have a match today.
The one winner in play at the Prince George Hotel was Edmar Mednis of New York, who beat Herbert Seidman, also of New York.
Donald Byrne of University Park Pa., drew with James T. Sherwin of New York, and Robert Byrne drew with Pal Benko of New York.
The three adjournments will be played off Wednesday.
The tournament, scheduled for 11 rounds lasting through Jan. 4, is sponsored by the U.S. Chess Federation. The American Chess Foundation has provided $3,000 in prizes.