The Times, Shreveport, Louisiana, Monday, March 08, 1982 - Page 2
Karpov sees no Fischer
Moscow (AP) — World chess champion Anatoly Karpov doubts Bobby Fischer will play chess again, saying the former titleholder's nerves are shot.
“He has not played for nine years now,” the Soviet champ said of the American who won the title in 1972 but never defended it. “His nervous system has failed. Unfortunately, in the near future, one can hardly see him playing chess again.”
Fischer has spent much of his time in seclusion since surrendering the crown in 1975, though there have been various reports that he has planned a comeback. Fischer forfeited the crown after refusing to defend it on terms set by the international chess federation.
Karpov, who subsequently inherited the title, has several times expressed interest in playing Fischer, whose activities are still of great interest to chess enthusiasts in the Soviet Union.
Karpov, 30, has twice successfully defended the title against Soviet defector Viktor Korchnoi.
Karpov's remarks about Fischer were made in “64-Chess Review,” a Soviet chess magazine he edits. His comments were distributed by the official Soviet news agency Tass.
Statesman Journal, Salem, Oregon, Monday, March 08, 1982 - Page 3
Fischer's Nerves Shot, chess champion says