ANew York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, August 25, 1962 - Page 16
Russian Accuses Fischer Of Slander
Moscow, Aug. 24—Bobby Fischer, the former United States chess champion, was accused here today of “slander” in charging that Russians used collusive tactics in chess tournaments.
Replying to charges made by the 19-year-old grand master last week, the sports newspaper Sovetsky Sport said:
“It is well known that lies run on short legs. And on such legs it is hard to keep up with those who are ahead.”
Mr. Fischer made the collusion charges after the recently ended Candidates Tournament in Curacao, held to establish a challenger to meet Mikhail Botvinnik for the world title next year.
The American placed fourth in the tournament which was won by Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union.
The newspaper article was signed by A. Prorvich, identified as an international chess referee.
Alluding to a statement attributed to Mr. Fischer last year in which the grand master was reported to have said that no champion could compare with him, the Soviet referee said:
“The youngster from New York had to learn through his own experience that the Russians know how to play chess and it is hard to compete with them.”
