The Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, October 25, 1959
Tal's margin has been amassed mainly against the four non-Russians in the tournament against whom he has scored an amazing tally of 12 wins and one draw. He has taken three points each from U.S. champion Bobby Fischer, Benko and Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland. Gligoric obtained one draw in four ties.
Paul Keres of Estonia, who has been in second place for some time, remains in that position with 15-8. He defeated Olafsson and Fischer but was set back by Smyslov in the 23rd round. Smyslov moved up to tie for third with Tigran Petrosian of Russia.
Fischer, 16-year-old Brooklyn schoolboy who is gaining invaluable experience in this battle of the grand masters, registered but one draw in his three games last week. In the 21st round he was matched against Smyslov, who used a Sicilian Defense. Fischer sacrificed a pawn, then a piece, and developed a strong attack. Smyslov had enough resources, however, and won in a rook-and-pawn ending.
Paired with Keres in the 22nd round, Fischer went into a long second session, having lost a pawn before adjournment. Keres had a rook and knight opposed to a rook and bishop. It took exact play to enforce the win and Keres was equal to the occasion.
Against Petrosian, who had beaten him twice previously, Fischer adopted the Orthodox Defense to the Queen's Gambit. Petrosian established a passed queen's pawn and exerted considerable pressure. Adequate counter play by Fischer equalized matters and a draw resulted after 30 moves.
