The California Chess Reporter

(Volume XVI Number One, July-August 1966)

GRANDMASTERS IN ACTION AT SANTA MONICA IN PIATIGORSKY CUP

Editor: Guthrie McClain

Boris Spassky of the USSR, defeated challenger in the recent match for the world's championship, played July 17 - August 15, 1966, at the Miramar hotel in Santa Monica. Spassky a handsome 29-year-old, played the most solid chess of all the competitors. He also turned out to be quite a comedian, as he imitated the great chessplayers of the world to the laughter of the audience at the awards banquet held following the tournament.

Robert Fischer of the U.S. played one of the most spectacular second halves in the history of grandmaster chess, tied Spassky with only two rounds to go, and then drew twice with the two Russian players while Spassky scored a win and a draw.

Bent Larsen of Denmark was one of the early leaders, having been tied with Spassky for some time, came upon a losing streak, and then regained his winning ways so that he finished a clear third.

The two Russians, Spassky and the world champion Tigran Petrosian, had been grounded temporarily while the notorious decision of the Soviet track and field team to cancel its U.S. trip was being taken. The two chessplayers refused to go along with that decision, and held out stoutly for the concept that the international chess was different. They had their way, last-minute visas were arranged and they arrived at Santa Monica at the last minute, but in good time. Their courageous action made possible a truly great international tournament.

The success of the tournament was due primarily to Mr. and Mrs. Piatigorsky, of course. They were assisted greatly by grandmaster Isaac Kashdan, the tournament director. Kashdan was assisted by Harry Borochow, George Coehler and Jack Moskowitz. In the analysis rooms were Irving Rivise, Jerry Hanken, Bill Marllard and Carl Pilnick. On the entrance desk were Lena Grumette, Selma Steiner and many others. The communications committee had a dozen or two juniors, led by Ed Kennedy. One of the features of the playing stage was a set of projectors which showed the current positions of all the games (this system was developed by Jacqueline Piatigorsky).

1. Spassky
2. Fischer
3. Larsen
4. Portisch
5. Unzicker
6. Petrosian
7. Reshevsky
8. Najdorf
9. Ivkov
10. Donner

11.5-6.5
11-7
10-8
9.5-8.5
9.5-8.5
9-9
9-9
8-10
6.5-11.5
6-12

$5,000
$3,000
$2,250
$1,875
$1,875
$1,400
$1,400
$1,150
$1,050
$1,000