AThe Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, December 11, 1954 - Page 12
The Russian Who Didn't Show Sat, Dec 11, 1954 – 12 · The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts) · Newspapers.com
The Russian Who Didn't Show
To the Editor—It is noted in your fine chess column (Nov. 28 Globe) that the Russian Botwinnik, the world champion, is “very conscious of the individual ‘scores’ he achieves with his peers,” and that “he dislikes intensely the idea of any man holding a ‘plus’ against him.”
In 1953, a Challenger's Candidate Tournament was held in Zurich, Switzerland, the winner to play a match with the world champion Botwinnik for the title. Among the 15 contestants was the American grandmaster and former Bostonian, Samuel Reshevsky, who firmly believes that God has ordained him to be a world champion.
Facing him were nine Russian masters. In addition there was the Argentine M. Najdorf, rebounding from two humiliating defeats in money-contested matches with Reshevsky. Najdorf was more eager to defeat Reshevsky than Smyslov, the eventual winner. Reshevsky tied for second behind Smyslov. Botwinnik then drew a long match with Smyslov and thus retained his title.
However, in the Summer of 1954 the Soviets agreed to a four-round match with the United States to be held in New York city.
Reshevsky, now at the peak of his form, trained diligently for his anticipated four games with Botwinnik. His aim was to defeat and then challenge him to a title match which could not be declined.
The Soviet team of six with two reserves came but no Botwinnik. No explanation was given. Aside from Botwinnik, the team spearheaded by Smyslov consisted of the best players in Russia.
Is it because Botwinnik “dislikes intensely the idea of any many holding a ‘plus’ against him” or because a high level governmental decision decreed that no “capitalistic outsider” would have the opportunity to bypass its idol Botwinnik and ascend the chess throne? Chess is the national pastime in Russia.
After the Russian-American match Reshevsky issued a challenge to both Smyslov and Botwinnik. He is still waiting for a reply.
Thomas J. Burns. Arlington.
