The Indianapolis Star Indianapolis, Indiana Saturday, June 12, 1976 - Page 13
Spassky Ready For Comeback
Manila, the Philippines (UPI) — Former world chess champion Boris Spassky said yesterday he is in fine physical and mental shape for his comeback campaign to regain the title he lost in 1972.
Spassky is among 20 of the world's top players competing in the Manila Interzonals, the first stage in a series of elimination tournaments to pick a challenger to play reigning champion Anatoly Karpov of the Soviet Union.
Karpov won the title last year after American Bobby Fischer, who had captured it from Spassky, forfeited the crown in a dispute over playing rules.
Asked about Fischer, Spassky said he believes the American chess wizard will return to the game after he has settled a current feud with the author of a book about him.
“I think he can come back and he should be in his best form in two months. He's still young and he's a strong player,” Spassky said.