Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Corpus Christi, Texas, Thursday, December 27, 1956
'Sovietless' Chess Congress To Start
Reuters. Hastings, England, Dec. 26—There will be a Hungarian master but no Russians at the 32nd annual international Christmas Chess Congress opening here tomorrow afternoon. More than 130 competitors from 11 countries assembled here today for the congress, which lasts until Jan. 5.
The congress director, Frank Rhoden, announced today that a visa had finally been obtained for the Hungarian master, Laszlo Szabo, who is competing in the premier tournament. He said a telegram had arrived stating that all difficulties had been overcome and Szabo was on his way with another Hungarian player.
But two Russian masters invited to compete said they could not come as their own championship tournament is being held at the same time.
Another non-starter is 13-year-old Bobby Fischer, the “chess wonder of Brooklyn,” who turned down an invitation because of lack of funds, then accepted it after the funds were raised, but was himself turned down because his place had since been filled by someone else.
Rhoden is giving up his post as director after the congress. “The job has become too involved in politics and is too worrying,” he declared.
