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The late former World Chess Champion, GM Bobby Fischer, would have had his 75th birthday today.
Born March 9, 1943 in Chicago, and lived most of his early life in New York City. International Master and U.S. Champion at age 14, from his result at the 1957-58 USA Championship. Grandmaster at age 15, from his result at the 1958 Portoroz Interzonal, qualifying him for the 1959 Candidates Tournament. Both of his IM and GM titles were at the time the youngest in chess history. Won each of the eight times he contested the USA Championship, with his perfect score of 11-0 in 1963-64 being the most impressive. Victor in two Interzonals -- Stockholm 1962 and Palma de Majorca 1970; led the 1967 Sousse Interzonal when he withdrew due to disputes with tournament organizers. Complained of Soviet collusion against him at 1962 Curacao Candidates in a published Sports Illustrated article; FIDE changed the system to knockout matches. His 1969 book "My 60 Memorable Games" was one of the biggest sellers in chess history. Victor in the 1971 Candidates series of matches: over GM Taimanov by 6-0 in Vancouver, over GM Larsen by 6-0 in Denver, over GM Petrosian by 6.5-2.5 in Buenos Aires. World Champion in 1972 by defeating Champion GM Boris Spassky by 12.5-8.5 in Reykjavik. Retired from chess for the next 20 years, and became an almost complete recluse; donated sizable funds to religious causes. Defeated GM Spassky in another match in Yugoslavia in 1992. Had his USA passport revoked over failure to pay taxes and making inflammatory statements, and was held prisoner in Japan. Obtained asylum in Iceland, which made him a citizen. Died at age 64 on January 17, 2008 in Reykjavik.
Rest In Peace, Bobby. :)
Born March 9, 1943 in Chicago, and lived most of his early life in New York City. International Master and U.S. Champion at age 14, from his result at the 1957-58 USA Championship. Grandmaster at age 15, from his result at the 1958 Portoroz Interzonal, qualifying him for the 1959 Candidates Tournament. Both of his IM and GM titles were at the time the youngest in chess history. Won each of the eight times he contested the USA Championship, with his perfect score of 11-0 in 1963-64 being the most impressive. Victor in two Interzonals -- Stockholm 1962 and Palma de Majorca 1970; led the 1967 Sousse Interzonal when he withdrew due to disputes with tournament organizers. Complained of Soviet collusion against him at 1962 Curacao Candidates in a published Sports Illustrated article; FIDE changed the system to knockout matches. His 1969 book "My 60 Memorable Games" was one of the biggest sellers in chess history. Victor in the 1971 Candidates series of matches: over GM Taimanov by 6-0 in Vancouver, over GM Larsen by 6-0 in Denver, over GM Petrosian by 6.5-2.5 in Buenos Aires. World Champion in 1972 by defeating Champion GM Boris Spassky by 12.5-8.5 in Reykjavik. Retired from chess for the next 20 years, and became an almost complete recluse; donated sizable funds to religious causes. Defeated GM Spassky in another match in Yugoslavia in 1992. Had his USA passport revoked over failure to pay taxes and making inflammatory statements, and was held prisoner in Japan. Obtained asylum in Iceland, which made him a citizen. Died at age 64 on January 17, 2008 in Reykjavik.
Rest In Peace, Bobby. :)