AChattanooga Daily Times Chattanooga, Tennessee Tuesday, January 06, 1959
Fischer Is Victor In Chess Tourney - Successfully Defends His U.S. Championship
New York—Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn successfully defended the United States chess championship, which he acquired a year ago, in the 11th and final round of the Lessing J. Rosenwald Trophy tournament at the Manhattan Chess Club Sunday. The exceptionally talented 15-year-old high school student had for his last opponent Robert Byrne of Indianapolis.
Fischer had established himself so strongly in first place, thanks to his 86-move victory over Arthur B. Bisguier in the semi-final round, that he needed only a draw in his final effort to clinch his triumph. This he accomplished in 28 moves.
The finish could hardly be termed exciting, as both games of the leaders were drawn. First, Robert Byrne declined the offer of a draw made by Fischer, who had set up a King's Indian defense, but later found he could make no headway against the champion's sound defense. The boy marvel thereupon agreed to the proposal to split the point, which automatically left him safe in first place with a score of 8½-2½. This comprised six games won and five drawn.
