World Chess Championship 1958

The World Chess Cup 1958 was a rematch between the reigning world chess champion Vasily Smyslov, Mikhail Botvinnik and his predecessor. Botvinnik won and took the title back, he had lost the world title fight in 1957, Smyslov.

Prehistory

The right to a rematch, it was agreed for the first time at the competition Steinitz, Lasker (1894 ) and also during competition Alekhine - Euwe (1935 ). Ultimately, this was a privilege of the reigning world champions, because a challenger had to defeat the world champion twice, while this to the defense of his title victory (and even a draw ) was enough in a match. As the FIDE stipulated in time world champion without the modalities for the World Cup, they had taken over this scheme.

Now when Smyslov 1957 world champion Botvinnik defeated officiate, this scheme came to fruition first.

Organization and rules

The competition was held in Moscow. The race was scheduled for 24 games, which would retain his title in a tie, Smyslov.

Course

The match began on March 4. Right at the beginning Botvinnik drew them with 3 wins - a projection of the Smyslov could not catch up. On May 9, Botvinnik was clear as the winner.

Follow

In the following World Cup in 1960 Bowinnink lost his title to Mikhail Tal, but could win him back a year later in the rematch again. Then the rematch right was abolished, and the world title fight in 1963 he lost his title to finally Tigran Petrosian. Smyslov succeeded in sequence several more times to qualify for the candidates tournament, but to qualify for a world title fight, it was not enough.