APoughkeepsie Journal Poughkeepsie, New York Monday, December 18, 1961
U.S. Chess Tourney Resumes Wednesday
New York (AP)—Competition for the U.S. Chess championship is set to resume Wednesday, with 18-year-old Bobby Fischer, the four-time champion, still refusing to say whey he won't defend his title.
Only one first round match was determined in the competition which got under way yesterday. Abe Mednis, a U.S. master from Mount Vernon picked up one point to become the tournament leader when his opponent Herbert Seidman of Brooklyn, N.Y., resigned.
Two other matches were played to draws, and three were adjourneed until Wednesday.
Fred Cramer, president of the U.S. Chess Federation, said Fischer was invited to the tournament but “he didn't accept, and he didn't say why.”
