New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, January 25, 1959
Reshevsky Urges Match-Play Test
Contends Tournament Does Not Establish True Skill of Any Two Masters
At the conclusion of the last United States chess championship tournament, in which he was runner-up to Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, Samuel Reshevsky of Spring Valley, N.Y., conceded the cleverness of his 15-year-old rival and predicted a great future for him.
However, he made the point the real test of the comparative skills of any two players could be had only in match rather than in tournament play.
He reaffirmed that conviction last week before leaving for the Pacific Coast, where the leading players in Southern California are awaiting his visit.
In the 1957-58 United States championship, Fischer got the decision when Reshevsky lost to William Lombardy in the final. In the recent tournament, the turning point came in the sixth round when Reshevsky's only loss was brought about by Fischer himself.
Gist of Contention
The gist of Reshevsky's contention is that in a set match between two opponents and without any intervention on the part of outsiders, the actual merit of the pair is most likely to be established.
It was this method that prevailed when the late Frank J. Marshall retired and the United States Chess Federation took over. Reshevsky has been champion five times and Arnold S. Denker, Larry Evans and Arthur B. Bisguier once each.
There has been discussion of the desirability of a Fischer-Reshevsky match, but so far nothing has come of it.
It is true that if Fischer can get away to play in the world championship challengers' tournament, a try-out against Reshevsky would provide the ideal preparation.
Meanwhile Reshevsky is enjoying a much-needed respite after his strenuous exertions here and abroad.
Following are two more games from the United States championship:
Tourney for Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia again will be the guest country for the challengers' tournament in September and October, although the exact locality has not been announced.
It is reported that bids have been received from six resorts. Of these Bled is strongly favored.
It will not be the first time for it to be the site of an important gathering of grandmasters. The goal of his one is the selection of the next opponent for Mikhail Botvinnik of the Soviet Union for the world championship. Fischer is one of eight who are eligible.
Another selection of games played in the interzonal tournament at Portoroz follows:
