Spassky invited to N.Z.

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32968, 14 July 1972, Page 1

Spassky invited to N.Z.

The New Zealand Chess Association has been trying to get B. Spassky. the world champion, to visit New Zealand for the last 18 months—and is still trying. whether Spassky wins or loses in his present series against K. K. Fischer. The president of the association (Mr A. S. Hollander, of Christchurch) said yesterday that the New Zealand team at the world tournament at Siegen. West Germany. invited Spassky and P. Keres, the Russian team captain, to dinner. “The invitation was issued not only because the two are top chess players, but also because they are very interesting characters,” Mr Hollander said. When they came to dinner, it was found that Spassky spoke English very well, had a likeable personality, was,

I full of life and had a fund of . amusing anecdotes, he said. “We issued an invitation ' to Spassky to visit New Zeai iand as soon as he found the : opportunity,” Mr Hollander ; recalled. “Spassky is a friend of ' Yuri Averbach, the Russian grand master who visited

Christchurch,” said Mr Hollander. “Averbach has • advised Spassky to come to; New Zealand not only for: chess but to meet people and enjoy our scenery. “We have written to; Spassky two or three times: and he has said he wants to; come here, as Averbach found his visit delightful. Three months ago we wrote to the Russian Ambassador in Wellington and he replied he would do his best to ensure that Spassky would visit New Zealand.” Mr Hollander said that the New Zealand chess team , which would play in the next: tournament, to be held m. Skopje, Juogslavia. in September, expected to meet Spassky again. Mr Hollander will again manage the New Zealand team. “Of course. Spassky is a hero in Russia—like an Alli Black captain in New Zea- ; land. When he won the world chess championship two years ago. he was feted by millions in a whistle-stop tour of Russia. It is obvious ithat he is much tn demand.” 1