Fischer called coward

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33712, 9 December 1974, Page 34

Fischer called coward

(N.Z. Press Assn —Copyright) MOSCOW.

The Soviet Chess Federation has accused the world champion, R. J. Fischer, of the United States, of “cowardice.”

The federation, in a long and fiercely-worded statement issued by the Soviet news agency, Tass, condemned reports that Fischer had decided to snub the official Russian contender for his crown, A. Karpov. Pouring scorn on the American champion’s announced intention to play the Brazilian grand master, E. Mecking, instead of Karpov, the federation claimed that Fischer was obvoiusly worried by Karpov’s recent display in the final of the official candidates’ tournament. Karpov beat a compatriot; V. Korchnoi, 3-2. The federation said Fischer was obviously looking for “an easy way out.” It asked how the Brazilian could consider himself the world’s most worthy challenger to Fischer when he had been beaten in the official candidates’ tournament by Korchnoi. And who would finance a match between Fischer and Mecking — Mecking’s millionaire father?

Soccer.—Belgium held East Germany to a goal-less draw in their European soccer championship group seven match in Leipzig. Rugby union.—Wales B defeated France B, 23-20, in an international match in Cardiff. Wales led 6-4 at half-time.