AThe Boston Globe Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, October 26, 1958
Chess Notebook by Lyman Burgess
It seems high time after the praises heaped upon Fischer and the attention awarded to Sherwin and the concentration on the activities of the American team at Munich to look upon the person of Pal Benko, formerly of Hungary, now of Cleveland.
Benko fled Hungary after the abortive revolution and made his way to America. He arrived in New York in the Fall of 1957. Benko played in some chess events in the metropolis (speed tournaments, etc.) then left for Dallas in hope of finding a vacancy in that exclusive and now famous gathering.
But all the contestants arrived in fettle and on time. As a consolation the sponsors arranged a match between Benko and Ken R. Smith which Benko won with ease.
After the tournament Benko went to the West Coast and engaged in chess promotional stunts with Larry Evans. The wandering Hungarian found himself eventually in Cleveland, where it has been reported, he has decided to settle permanently.
Before leaving his native land, by his sterling performance in the Hungarian tournament Benko had qualified for the candidates tournament. This year he made a last minute application to have his entry honored. His playing was opposed by certain factions on the grounds that Benko qualified as a Hungarian and was in fact no longer a Hungarian, therefore could not represent Hungary. The F.I.D.E. ruling pointed out the obvious, but sometimes overlooked, fact that men, not countries qualify. Consequently room was made for Benko at Portoroz.
Benko, though no newcomer to international events and known to be a strong master, was not expected to qualify for the Challengers tournament. But qualify he did, and handily. His score of 12½-7½ was good for a third place tie with Tigran Petrosian, USSR.
Benko is obviously a valuable addition to American chess strength. And, just think, we didn't have to give anything for him, we got him for free—or for freedom.
After a diligent search among issues of “Chess,” “Chess Life” and “Chess Review” of the past year I came up with this lone, semi-marathon exemplar of Benko's prowess. The game is from the 1958 New Western Open, won by Benko.
Unresolved Chess Game: Can you solve it?
