Jóhann Örn Sigurjónsson writes. Vísir, 22 June.

The Fiske Chess Tournament, the strongest chess tournament ever held here, has come to an end. The Russians have now succeeded in defeating Friðrik on his home ground, something that had not happened since Tal won the Reykjavík tournament in 1964. Taimanov appeared to take the tournament rather easily and was in difficulty only once. That was against Freysteinn, who, however, failed to find anything decisive in time trouble.

Vasyukov put much more effort into his games and plays a heavier style. In the final round, Vasyukov seemed the most likely winner of the tournament, but he was content with a draw in his game against Bragi, which was played without much ambition.

Friðrik started rather badly. His lack of practice showed in the considerable amount of time he used during the first half of his games, and against Vasyukov this cost him a full point and first place in the tournament.

Byrne played a light and fluent style of chess, although he appeared to lack strength against the Russians and Friðrik. Byrne is said to be the most popular chess master in the United States, and he was certainly an agreeable representative of his country at this tournament.

Uhlmann appears tired of chess, which is understandable since he has complained of the heavy burden placed upon him as East Germany’s only grandmaster.

Guðmundur Sigurjónsson’s performance was undoubtedly the most pleasing feature of the tournament. Considerable chess strength is required to earn the title of International Master, and Guðmundur possesses that strength and appears to be improving steadily.

Freysteinn also played very well and needed only half a point more to achieve the same result as Guðmundur. Freysteinn played particularly well against the Russians and in fact declined draw offers from both of them, although in the end he had to settle for a share of the points.