AFort Lauderdale News Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sunday, August 27, 1961 - Page 39
Fischer Forfeits
Bobby Fischer, 16-year-old United States Chess Champion, refused to continue the 16-game match against Sam Reshevsky and was declared the loser by forfeit. He protested the rescheduling of the twelfth game from Saturday night to Sunday morning against his wishes and the resultant forfeiture of that game.
Fischer wrote the officials:
“The rescheduling of the twelfth game was without my consent and the breach of contract therefore was not mine.”
Bill Lombardy, well liked American grandmaster, sided with Fischer. “I think there should have been a little more leeway,” he said. “It appeared that the officials threatened Fischer. I know Bobby well enough to know he would not consent to play any game at 11 o'clock in the morning.”
