Sarapu Not Outclassed

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31513, 30 October 1967, Page 24

Sarapu Not Outclassed

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND. Nine Russian grandmaster stayed awake until 5 a.m. to help the Russian player, E. Geller, beat the New Zealander, O. Sarapu, in the inter-zonal chess tournament in Tunisia, writes Sarapu in a letter to his wife in Auckland. He says he had an equa position with Geller, who wa

the highest placed Russian in the tournament, when the game was adjourned after 40 moves. The other Russian competitors, and their seconds, analysed the game all night while Geller slept and, as a result, Geller won on move 57. Sarapu has no seconds, and the only thing to remind him of his home was the New Zealand flag flying, among others, outside the tournament headquarters. He says other players were 1 quite interested in New Zeas land. He is the only repre-

sentative from all the PaclficAsian countries. Sarapu does not think he was outclassed, but rather outplayed by professionals who eould take part in international tournaments throughout the year. He had bad luck in the early draw, playing the two favourites, Larsen and Fischer, and four other Americans and Russians, but all games were good fights, he says.

He had a draw with the United States grand master Robert Byrne, for half a point in seven games.