Stevens Point Journal Stevens Point, Wisconsin Friday, July 30, 1971 - Page 4
Chess Interest
For a nation which prides itself on its sports conscientiousness, the United States never has been much of a fan of the chess board. People who can name the starting lineup on just about any big league baseball or football team never heard of Paul Morphy or Frank Marshall.
All that may have to change shortly, because an American is well on his way to a spectacular win in the world chess championship. Bobby Fischer already is a household name in Russia, where chess is regarded as a serious test of skill and where the present world champion, Boris Spassky, resides.
Fischer's record in working his way up to the championship test has been nothing short of spectacular. In the preliminary rounds, Fischer won a dozen successive games against two of the world's greatest chess masters.
The concentrated and slow-paced style of the game may not appeal to the American masses, but a champion is a champion.
Bobby Fischer, at 28, has proved himself worthy of a special niche in the world of sporting contests.
