New York Times, New York, New York, Saturday, January 4, 1958
Fischer Regains Title Chess Lead
Youth Defeats Lombardy in 53 Moves—Berliner and Seidman Play to Draw
Bobby Fischer, the 14-year-old national open champion, was back in first place last night in the United States title tournament for the Lessing J. Rosenwald Trophy at the Manhattan Chess Club after winning his adjourned tenth-round game from William Lombardy.
Lombardy, the holder of the world junior title, was too optimistic in his estimate of the unfinished position, wherein he had equal chances. In fact, he was the one avoiding a repetition of moves leading to a draw—a misconception that cost him the game in fifty-three moves.
At his forty-second turn Lombardy threatened a black pawn but, instead of proceeding to capture it, moved his rook to the seventh rank. He lost more on the forty-fourth move after which Fischer took complete command and forced through a passed pawn, costing Lombardy a rook.
Reshevsky Faces Setback
The standing then disclosed Fischer in first place with a score of 8½—1½, ahead of Samuel Reshevsky, with 8—1 and one game adjourned. Reshevsky's unfinished game with James T. Sherwin, favorable to Sherwin, was not played off.
Lombardy, after his loss to Fischer, was a poor third with 6—4. Only three more rounds remain to be contested. The eleventh is scheduled today.
