ACourier-Post Camden, New Jersey Wednesday, May 23, 1962 - Page 13
News from Candidates 23 May 1962, Wed Courier-Post (Camden, New Jersey) Newspapers.com
Tournament News
News from the Candidates' Chess Tournament at Willemstad, Curacao, continues to be surprising.
Bobby Fischer of the United States and Mikhail Tal of the Soviet Union, co-favorites in the field of eight to win the tourney and the right to play Mikhail Botvinnik for his world's title, which Tal formerly held, are near the bottom of the totem pole instead. Though only 11 rounds of the Tournament's 28 had been played as of Monday, it now will be a very difficult task for either of these young stars to emerge on top.
Tal at that point had only 3½ points, scores on 2 victories and 3 draws, with 5 losses and one game adjourned. The only player below him was Miroslav Filip of Czechoslovakia, who had won a single game, drawn 4 and lost 6.
Fischer's score of 4½ points, earned on 3 victories, 3 draws and 4 defeats, with a game with Tal adjourned, was only good enough to give him sixth place in the standings. Geller and Korchnoi of Russia, each with 3 victories and 8 draws, were tied for the lead; two of their compatriots, Keres and Petrosian, were tied for third a half-point back; and Pal Benko of the United States, with 5 points, was fifth.
There are reports that Fischer is suffering from chronic appendicitis, which could account for his disappointing showing to date. There are also rumors that Tal is not in top physical condition.
