AThe Guardian London, Greater London, England Friday, June 22, 1962 - Page 2
Key Chess Game Fizzles Out: Leaders in Draw 22 Jun 1962, Fri The Guardian (London, Greater London, England) Newspapers.com
Key Chess Game Fizzles Out: Leaders in Draw
The game between the joint leaders, Keres and Petrosian, which was expected to prove the climax of the World Chess Tournament at Curacao, fizzled out in an agreed draw in 14 moves.
According to an Associated Press report, the large crowd expected excitement when Keres had the white pieces in a Sicilian Defence, an opening against which he has scored many brilliant victories. They were stunned when he sought no advantage and headed straight for a drawn position.
It now looks strong odds on Armenia providing its first challenger for the world title. In the remaining games, Petrosian has white against Benko and Filip and black against Fischer, where Keres has the tougher schedule of white against Fischer but black to Benko and Geller.
Bobby Fischer had his comment ready as soon as he saw the opening moves. “This will be a dead draw. They are playing an analysed variation which avoids all attempts at seizing the initiative. This is probably part of their arrangement.”
If there was a package deal between Keres and Petrosian to draw all their four games in the tournament, it may well cost the veteran Keres his last chance of the title match.
Geller's faint hopes of catching the leaders were eliminated when he adjourned with a lost rook ending to Filip, while the unfinished game between Korchnoi and Benko should be drawn. As it was decided that Tal's games shall be cancelled and not defaulted, Keres and Petrosian now lead with 16 out of 24, followed by Geller with 15 out of 24.
