ANew York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, March 07, 1957
Botvinnik Loses In Chess Match
Smyslov Victor in First of 24 Games With Champion for World Laurels
Vasily Smyslov, the 35-year-old challenger for the chess championship of the world, yesterday gained a victory in the first of a series of twenty-four games with Mikhail Botvinnik, the champion since 1948. According to a report from Moscow, the match at the Tchaikovsky Music Hall was completed in forty-one moves.
The toss for the choice of color was won by Botvinnik, who elected to play the white pieces in the first and all subsequent odd-numbered games. Gideon Stahlberg of Sweden is acting as referee, with Harry Golombek of England as assistant.
Loser Presents Challenge
Botvinnik played P-K4 for his first move. This was in the nature of a challenge, which Smyslov evaded by responding with P-QB4, thereby setting up a Sicilian defense.
Throughout the long session, Smyslov gradually gained a position that made him a favorite to win after forty-one moves had been recorded. Botvinnik elected to have play continue in a second session and the forty-first move was sealed.
Careful analytical study overnight convinced Botvinnik of the superiority of Smyslov's position. Consequently, he sent word to the referee requesting permission to resign without resuming play in the first game.
Dr. Euwe to Play Here
The Manhattan Chess Club reported yesterday the arrival of Dr. Max Euwe of Amsterdam, a former world chess champion. Dr. Euwe will play exhibition games at the club Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. His opponent will be 13-year-old Bobby Fischer of Brooklyn, who gave such a good account of himself in the recent Rosenwald Trophy tournament.
William Lombardy of the Manhattan Club yesterday accepted an invitation to play in the international masters tournament at Mar del Plata in Argentina, beginning Tuesday. He will leave Saturday.
