AThe Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Sunday, September 27, 1959
After eight completed rounds, Paul Keres and Mikhail Tal, both of the Soviet Union, were tied for the lead with scores of 5½-2½. Tal had gained most ground with successive victories against U.S. chess champion Bobby Fischer, Paul Benko of New York, and former world champion Vassily Smyslov of Moscow.
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Fischer was given a rough time, scoring only half a point in his last three games. In the sixth round he lost to Tal in 41 moves. Fischer, with the black pieces, resorted to his favorite King's Indian Defense. He held his own throughout a complicated middle game, but Tal developed threats in the ending which proved decisive.
In the seventh round Fischer gave a good account of himself against Smyslov. The Russian adopted an unusual line in the Caro-Kann Defense and had the initiative through the first session. The game was soon drawn, however, after adjournment.
In the eighth round the pairings were identical with those in the first round, except that the colors were reversed. Most of the scores were reversed as well. This time Fischer, who had defeated Keres on the opening day, lost in 38 moves when the Russian built up an overpowering position.
Following are the results of play last week and games from the tournament.
