ANew York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, October 25, 1959
Tal Is Conceded Victor In Chess
Experts Say Soviet Player's 2½-Point Lead After 23 Rounds Is Unbeatable
After twenty-three rounds of the chess challengers' tournament at Belgrade Mikhail Tal of the Soviet Union has a clear lead of 2½ points. Critics are ready to concede first place to the interzonal winner at Portoroz. However, there remained five rounds to be played.
Tal's victory is not yet a mathematical certainty. But Tal has developed a form that has made him virtually invincible. He has control of himself and his self-confidence, next to his technical skill, is his chief attribute.
Tal's steadiness under fire and accuracy in defensive tactics were factors which enabled him to displace Paul Keres of the Soviet Union after the close of the first quarter in Bled.
Last-round upsets have occurred before and could negate the predictions for Tal's success. Because of the eleventh-hour defeat of David Bronstein of the Soviet Union at Portoroz, it was possible for the two Americans—Bobby Fischer, the United States champion, and Paul Benko—to qualify for the challengers' tournament.
That they and Fridrik Olafsson of Iceland were outclassed became evident soon after the current contest began. As was expected, the four highest places fell to the Soviet quartet.
The lone Yugoslavian, Svetozar Gligoric, holds his place on the edge between the first and second sections.
The eight contestants rested yesterday.
