Fischer Isn’t Concerned About Being Political Pawn : Balkans: U.S. chess master defends trip to Yugoslavia to play in big-money game.

U.S. chess master Bobby Fischer said Friday that he came to Yugoslavia to play chess and isn’t concerned with the political implications of his visit, which may violate U.N. sanctions.

Fischer, 49, emerged from 20 years of seclusion this week when it was announced that he would play a rematch of his 1972 championship game with Russian Boris Spassky. The match is scheduled to begin Sept. 2.

It was organized by Jezdimir Vasiljevic, a Serbian banker who offered $3.35 million to the winner and $1.65 million to the loser.

Fischer is a U.S. citizen, and the match might contravene the U.N. boycott. Washington has not commented on the competition.

Fischer was interviewed by Vasiljevic on Yugoslav television.

When asked if playing the match in a country under sanctions is a political event, Fischer said: “I don’t know much about that. I came here to play chess, and that’s what interests me.”

Vasiljevic asked Fischer if audiences could count on the match taking place as planned.

“Sure, if Spassky comes here,” Fischer replied.

The nine-game series is to begin on an island off Montenegro in the Adriatic and end in Belgrade, the Serbian and Yugoslav capital.