Fischer Estimated to be 5th or 6th Ranking Chess Player in World at age 17

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Express and News San Antonio, Texas Sunday, May 01, 1960

Championship Chess By Blake Stevens
One of the most dramatic chess tourneys in recent times has been concluded at Mar Del Plata, Argentina, and I am proud to report that Bobby Fischer of the USA tied for first place with Boris Spassky of Russia.
The young United States Master, only 17, lost the first game to Spassky, who is about 21, and then trailed by a half a point for 13 rounds, finally overtaking the pace-setting leader in the last round.
Spassky gave up only three draws in 15 rounds, against Bronstein, also of Russia, Marini of Argentina, and Wexler, also from Argentina.
Fischer drew with Bronstein, early in the tournament, then won about 12 or 13 games in a row, a remarkable feat!
Another noteworthy aspect of this tournament is that Fischer and Spassky left the field far behind, which is a good indication that they are head and shoulders above masters of the Western Hemisphere.
Spassky ranks about fifth in Russia. Therefore Fischer may be about fifth or sixth ranking chess player in the world's chess kingdom, and only 17!