Suburbanite Economist Chicago, Illinois Wednesday, June 19, 1963 - Page 23
Chessnuts!
What a year 1963 is going to be for chess in Chicago! The Greater Chicago Open was by far the largest tournament ever held in Chicago, and the forth-coming U.S. Open is expected to be the largest U.S. Open ever held anywhere. What you probably don't know is that it is also likely to be the strongest U.S. Open ever held and the strongest tournament in the U.S. since New York International. 1924.
It happens that Tigran Petrosian (the new world champion), Paul Keres, V. Korchnoi, Miguel Najdorf, O. Panno, F. Olafsson, and Svetozar Gligorich will all be in the U.S. this summer. The last-named, who has already committed himself to playing in the U.S. Open, is the only player in the world who can boast a plus score against Bobby Fischer!
No doubt many of these players will take part in the U.S. Open, partly to see more of the country and partly to pick up more prize money. (They'll be here to play in the $10,000 Piatigorsky tournament.) Their presence will stimulate the best American players to enter in defense of our chess prestige and to regain the title which last year went to a Venezuelan master.
Therefore, it is expected that Sammy Reshevsky, Pal Benko, and the Byrne brothers will compete. Larry Evans, too, might show up. As for Bobby Fischer, he won't know until he has seen his lawyer!
BUT DON'T be so awed by the competition that you fail to enter the U.S. Open. After all, even without their appearance you wouldn't expect to take first prize, would you? And other prizes have been set aside specifically for you, prizes that cannot be won by any master or expert.
It will be worth the $20 entry fee merely to see such an array of the world's best players in action, besides which there is always the chance of playing against one or more of them. The Open is to be held at the Belmont hotel Aug. 11 through the 23rd, with most of the games to be played in the evening. May I hope to see you there?
