New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, January 26, 1963 - Page 8
Chess: Robert Byrne Provides Some Rough Competition
Grand Master Robert Byrne of Indianapolis is a tough, experienced competitor, especially in a strong field.
In the recent United States championship in New York, Byrne won his first-round game from Nicholas Rossolimo, then drew his next 10 games, finishing with a score of 6-5. He was the only player in the lineup not to lose a single game outright. None of his draws was of the timid, “grand master” variety.
His games below against Bobby Fischer, the tournament winner, and against runner-up Arthur Bisguier are fought along tactical lines. They are so evenly balanced, one slight misstep in either game would have been instantly disastrous.
Byrne versus Fischer features a “bolt-from-the-blue” offer of a piece by Black with 13 … Q-R4. This stroke, however, is softened by White with 15 BxB.
Despite Byrnes alertness Fischer ingenuity almost culminates in victory. Byrne is saved from loss by managing a quick march of his monarch to the rescue. An exciting game with honors equally shared.