Endgame_ Bobby Fischer's Remarkable Rise And Fall - Part 20
Library

Part 20

30 His friends from the Church, Arthur and Claudia Mokarow, owned the house His friends from the Church, Arthur and Claudia Mokarow, owned the house Petra Dautov, Petra Dautov, Ein Jahr mit dem Schachgenie Ein Jahr mit dem Schachgenie, Amazon.de, p. 41.

31 Every day, he'd drink one or two pint gla.s.ses of carrot juice Every day, he'd drink one or two pint gla.s.ses of carrot juice, Bohm and Jongkind, chapter called "Harry Sneider," p. 4852.

32 Bobby's outbursts would startle the infrequent pa.s.sersby Bobby's outbursts would startle the infrequent pa.s.sersby Interview with Jackie Beers, circa 1975. Interview with Jackie Beers, circa 1975.

33 Gradually, his savings were evaporating Gradually, his savings were evaporating Unidentified newspaper clipping, "A King Eyes His Own Crown," circa 1982, JWC. Unidentified newspaper clipping, "A King Eyes His Own Crown," circa 1982, JWC.

34 He was solicitous toward He was solicitous toward Letter from Bobby Fischer to Ethel Collins, December 21, 1976, JWC. Letter from Bobby Fischer to Ethel Collins, December 21, 1976, JWC.

35 Years later in Iceland Years later in Iceland Interview of Gardar Sverrisson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland. Interview of Gardar Sverrisson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland.

36 Bobby would just wipe him off the board in short order every time Bobby would just wipe him off the board in short order every time. www.BobbyFischer.net, November 23, 2009.

37 Finally Browne said, "You know, Bobby, you'll really have to get off the phone." Finally Browne said, "You know, Bobby, you'll really have to get off the phone." Telephone interview with Walter Browne by author, April 11, 2009. Telephone interview with Walter Browne by author, April 11, 2009.

38 At the end of the letter he included instructions At the end of the letter he included instructions Letter from Bobby Fischer to Regina Fischer, October 27, 1974, MCF. Letter from Bobby Fischer to Regina Fischer, October 27, 1974, MCF.

39 He simply did not want contact He simply did not want contact Letter from Bobby Fischer to Jack Collins, April 30, 1979, JWC. Letter from Bobby Fischer to Jack Collins, April 30, 1979, JWC.

40 Chess colleagues of Bobby's-including grandmaster Robert Byrne-have said Chess colleagues of Bobby's-including grandmaster Robert Byrne-have said Kelly Atkins, collected anthology of Bobby Fischer quotes, Kelly Atkins, collected anthology of Bobby Fischer quotes, Chessville.com.

41 "There is nothing in the [KGB] doc.u.ments that there ever were any plans to kill him" "There is nothing in the [KGB] doc.u.ments that there ever were any plans to kill him" Ree, p. 39. Ree, p. 39.

42 A sportswriter once wrote that Fischer was the fastest walker he ever saw outside of an Olympian A sportswriter once wrote that Fischer was the fastest walker he ever saw outside of an Olympian d.i.c.k Schaap, "Bobby Fischer Can Lick Muhammad Ali Any Day," d.i.c.k Schaap, "Bobby Fischer Can Lick Muhammad Ali Any Day," Sport Sport, February 1973.

43 Another journalist, Brad Darrach Another journalist, Brad Darrach Life Life, November 12, 1971, p. 52.

44 Just so the world would know what he'd gone through Just so the world would know what he'd gone through Complete copy at Complete copy at www.a.n.u.sha.com/pasadena/htm.

45 "Yes, I wrote it, but I had a terrible time in that jail" "Yes, I wrote it, but I had a terrible time in that jail" Interview of Pal Benko by author, summer 2008, New York City. Interview of Pal Benko by author, summer 2008, New York City.

46 Stories were told, unconfirmed by this writer, that when he was flat broke Stories were told, unconfirmed by this writer, that when he was flat broke Bohm and Jongkind, p. 58, states that Fischer gave chess lessons for "5,000 a shot." Bohm and Jongkind, p. 58, states that Fischer gave chess lessons for "5,000 a shot."

47 "go back to your publisher and ask for a million dollars" Los Angeles Times "go back to your publisher and ask for a million dollars" Los Angeles Times, September 19, 1993.

48 His request was refused "on principle" His request was refused "on principle" DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 194. DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 194.

49 Freelance photographers were willing to pay $5,000 Freelance photographers were willing to pay $5,000 Ivan S. Lagaroff, "Bobby Fischer's Endgame," Ivan S. Lagaroff, "Bobby Fischer's Endgame," Esquire Esquire, December 1992.

50 "Every now and then there would be a 'sighting' of a forlorn, bearded figure." Independent "Every now and then there would be a 'sighting' of a forlorn, bearded figure." Independent, August 29, 1992.

Chapter 12: Fischer-Spa.s.sky Redux.

1 Bobby wanted to get back to the game...desperately Bobby wanted to get back to the game...desperately Letter from Regina Fischer to Joan Fischer Targ, March 8, 1984, MCF. Letter from Regina Fischer to Joan Fischer Targ, March 8, 1984, MCF.

2 Spa.s.sky provided a way back to the board Independent Spa.s.sky provided a way back to the board Independent, June 25, 1990, p. 12.

3 To avoid journalists, Bobby checked in under the name of Brown Sports Ill.u.s.trated To avoid journalists, Bobby checked in under the name of Brown Sports Ill.u.s.trated, May 14, 1990.

4 He forbade her to take a photograph of him Sports Ill.u.s.trated He forbade her to take a photograph of him Sports Ill.u.s.trated, May 14, 1990.

5 "When I broke through internationally, he had just stopped [playing]." "When I broke through internationally, he had just stopped [playing]." Bohm and Jongkind, p. 91. Bohm and Jongkind, p. 91.

6 He found Fischer's neo-n.a.z.i remarks about Jews to be "beyond the abhorrent" CL He found Fischer's neo-n.a.z.i remarks about Jews to be "beyond the abhorrent" CL, March 1993, p. 28. (Kok is reported to have condemned Fischer's "Neo-n.a.z.ism.") 7 The press had learned that Gerhardt was somewhere in Germany The press had learned that Gerhardt was somewhere in Germany Interview of author by German broadcaster Stefan Loffler, spring 1991. Interview of author by German broadcaster Stefan Loffler, spring 1991.

8 He felt paternal toward her and thought Bobby might be interested in meeting her He felt paternal toward her and thought Bobby might be interested in meeting her www.dmv.demon.nl.

9 "I think so" "I think so" www.darkdemon.nl.

10 Now that he was in Europe in 1990, courtesy of Bessel Kok, Bobby visited Petra Now that he was in Europe in 1990, courtesy of Bessel Kok, Bobby visited Petra www.darkdemon.nl.

11 Petra married Russian grandmaster Rustem Dautov in 1992, and in 1995 she wrote a book Petra married Russian grandmaster Rustem Dautov in 1992, and in 1995 she wrote a book www.darkdemon.nl.

12 "be careful" "be careful" DeLucia and DeLucia, pp. 21011. DeLucia and DeLucia, pp. 21011.

13 The inn was known to be friendly to those who played the game Chess The inn was known to be friendly to those who played the game Chess, July 2006, pp. 89.

14 It was, in fact, a letter from a seventeen-year-old girl, Zita Rajcsanyi Los Angeles Times It was, in fact, a letter from a seventeen-year-old girl, Zita Rajcsanyi Los Angeles Times, September 19, 1993, p. 36.

15 "Now that I have your interest" Kurir "Now that I have your interest" Kurir (Budapest daily), September 14, 1993, p. 20. (Budapest daily), September 14, 1993, p. 20.

16 he believed that Kasparov and Karpov were actually agents of the Russian regime Kurir he believed that Kasparov and Karpov were actually agents of the Russian regime Kurir, September 14, 1993.

17 "Everyone who is a Soviet, and everyone who is Jewish, cannot be trusted," he affirmed "Everyone who is a Soviet, and everyone who is Jewish, cannot be trusted," he affirmed Farkashazy, p. 29 ff. Farkashazy, p. 29 ff.

18 "You can hardly turn around" "You can hardly turn around" Letter from Regina Fischer to Bobby Fischer, December 15, 1990, MCF. Letter from Regina Fischer to Bobby Fischer, December 15, 1990, MCF.

19 Zita remained in Los Angeles for six weeks and stayed at the home of Robert Ellsworth Zita remained in Los Angeles for six weeks and stayed at the home of Robert Ellsworth "Has the Bad Boy of Chess Grown Up?" "Has the Bad Boy of Chess Grown Up?" Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times, September 19, 1993, pp. 1315.

20 the real reason Bobby was interested in her was "because I didn't want anything from him" Kurir the real reason Bobby was interested in her was "because I didn't want anything from him" Kurir, September 13, 1993, p. 20.

21 "He was ashamed of his poverty" "He was ashamed of his poverty" Seirawan and Stefanovic, p. 276. Seirawan and Stefanovic, p. 276.

22 He was also furious that although President Nixon had said he'd be invited to the White House El Pais He was also furious that although President Nixon had said he'd be invited to the White House El Pais, April 3, 2001.

23 In the interview Zita later gave to Tivadar Farkashazy, she claimed that Bobby was still waiting Los Angeles Times In the interview Zita later gave to Tivadar Farkashazy, she claimed that Bobby was still waiting Los Angeles Times, September 23, 1993.

24 Besides offering Regina support, Bobby wanted to introduce her to Zita Besides offering Regina support, Bobby wanted to introduce her to Zita Farkashazy, p. 29 ff. Farkashazy, p. 29 ff.

25 "I wasn't thinking of that" Kurir "I wasn't thinking of that" Kurir, September 14, 1993, p. 20.

26 He referred to Zita as his girlfriend He referred to Zita as his girlfriend http:www.chessgames.com, May 3, 2008.

27 It took almost a year, but she finally located someone It took almost a year, but she finally located someone "Zita's Story" and "A Short Story" in Seirawan and Stefanovic, pp. 27576. "Zita's Story" and "A Short Story" in Seirawan and Stefanovic, pp. 27576.

28 About a month later, in July 1992, Kubat, Zita, and two officials of Jugoskandic Bank were in Los Angeles Independent About a month later, in July 1992, Kubat, Zita, and two officials of Jugoskandic Bank were in Los Angeles Independent, August 29, 1992.

29 He'd later learn that the banker was one of the most powerful men in Serbia NYT He'd later learn that the banker was one of the most powerful men in Serbia NYT, September 1, 1992, p. D1.

30 Kubat was afraid that Vasiljevic wouldn't release the advance payment Kubat was afraid that Vasiljevic wouldn't release the advance payment Contract between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spa.s.sky, Vladimir Miljavic for the Jugoskandik Company, signed July 11, 1992, FB. Contract between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spa.s.sky, Vladimir Miljavic for the Jugoskandik Company, signed July 11, 1992, FB.

31 Spa.s.sky agreed to everything in the contract Spa.s.sky agreed to everything in the contract "Banker Lures Fischer to Play for Cheque," "Banker Lures Fischer to Play for Cheque," London Times London Times, August 1992, p. 1.

32 Heavy fighting between forces Heavy fighting between forces a.s.sociated Press, August 19, 1992. a.s.sociated Press, August 19, 1992.

33 The forty-nine-year-old Bobby Fischer was described by a reporter NYT The forty-nine-year-old Bobby Fischer was described by a reporter NYT, August 30, 1992, p. A1.

34 After Bobby signed the contract to play After Bobby signed the contract to play Farkashazy, p. 119 ff. Farkashazy, p. 119 ff.

35 "At one pole, there is elation over Mr. Fischer's return from two decades of obscurity." NYT "At one pole, there is elation over Mr. Fischer's return from two decades of obscurity." NYT, September 2, 1992, p. C14.

36 Bobby asked Gligoric ("Gliga") to play a secret training match Bobby asked Gligoric ("Gliga") to play a secret training match Chess in Translation, June 23, 2010, Chess in Translation, June 23, 2010, chessintranslation.com.

37 When asked at the time whether he'd like to engage Fischer in a match for the official championship, Kasparov snapped NYT When asked at the time whether he'd like to engage Fischer in a match for the official championship, Kasparov snapped NYT, September 2, 1992, p. C14.

38 Order to Provide Information and Cease and Desist Activities Order to Provide Information and Cease and Desist Activities Official Doc.u.ment from the Department of the Treasury to Bobby Fischer, August 21, 1992, FB. Official Doc.u.ment from the Department of the Treasury to Bobby Fischer, August 21, 1992, FB.

39 He'd insisted that all questions be submitted to him in advance He'd insisted that all questions be submitted to him in advance Wire service reports of transcripts of chess conference, September 1, 1992. Wire service reports of transcripts of chess conference, September 1, 1992.

40 "Let's start with some impudent questions from "Let's start with some impudent questions from The New York Times" The New York Times" NYT NYT, September 2, 1992, p. A1.

41 Although a large number of reporters had been interested in attending Bobby Fischer's controversial press conference CL Although a large number of reporters had been interested in attending Bobby Fischer's controversial press conference CL, March 1993, p. 27.

42 He then spat on the letter, and applause broke out. NYT He then spat on the letter, and applause broke out. NYT, September 2, 1992, p. A1.

43 His anti-Americanism was lambasted NYT His anti-Americanism was lambasted NYT, September 2, 1992, p. A18.

44 "I am bored and disgusted with him" Ottawa Citizen "I am bored and disgusted with him" Ottawa Citizen, August 28, 1992.

45 "Yes, Fischer betrayed chess and everybody." NYT "Yes, Fischer betrayed chess and everybody." NYT, September 2, 1992, p. C14.

46 Denying that he was an anti-Semite Denying that he was an anti-Semite Wire service reports of first press conference, September 1, 1992. Wire service reports of first press conference, September 1, 1992.

47 "They have absolutely destroyed chess" "They have absolutely destroyed chess" First press conference, September 1, 1992, reported in First press conference, September 1, 1992, reported in The New York Times The New York Times, September 2, 1992.

48 "I like geniuses or crazy people" Chronicle-Telegram "I like geniuses or crazy people" Chronicle-Telegram, "The Man Behind the Chesspiece," September 23, 1992, p. A7.

49 Twenty years of rust aside, Bobby played as masterfully as he had in 1972 NYT Twenty years of rust aside, Bobby played as masterfully as he had in 1972 NYT, September 3, 1992, p. C22.

50 Grandmaster Ya.s.ser Seirawan wrote Grandmaster Ya.s.ser Seirawan wrote Seirawan and Stefanovic, p. 32. Seirawan and Stefanovic, p. 32.

51 "Playing forcefully, the American chess genius seems to be in top form." NYT "Playing forcefully, the American chess genius seems to be in top form." NYT, September 3, 1992, p. 622.

52 "This was maybe an off-day for me." "This was maybe an off-day for me." Second press conference, September 3, 1992. Second press conference, September 3, 1992.

53 Lilienthal had never met Fischer, and at the conclusion of the fourth game, they were introduced at the hotel's restaurant Lilienthal had never met Fischer, and at the conclusion of the fourth game, they were introduced at the hotel's restaurant http://eidard.wordpress.com. (Fischer was also to have said: "p.a.w.n e5 takes __6!" giving the precise moves.) 54 "My general approach was not to think about the result of the match" "My general approach was not to think about the result of the match" Letter from Boris Spa.s.sky to the author, May 31, 2010. Letter from Boris Spa.s.sky to the author, May 31, 2010.

55 "I think I am doing quite well, considering that I've been blacklisted for the last twenty years by world Jewry." New York Daily News "I think I am doing quite well, considering that I've been blacklisted for the last twenty years by world Jewry." New York Daily News, September 2, 1992, p. 1.

56 "No, I have no regrets about spitting at that letter." New York Daily News "No, I have no regrets about spitting at that letter." New York Daily News, September 2, 1992, p. 1.

57 "That man [Kasparov] is a pathological liar, so I wouldn't pay much attention to whatever he says." New York Daily News "That man [Kasparov] is a pathological liar, so I wouldn't pay much attention to whatever he says." New York Daily News, September 2, 1992, p. 2.

58 "So I consider that the United States government and Time Incorporated went into a criminal conspiracy" "So I consider that the United States government and Time Incorporated went into a criminal conspiracy" Wire service reports for second press conference, September 2, 1992. Wire service reports for second press conference, September 2, 1992.

59 the greatest comeback since Napoleon Bonaparte sailed a single-masted fleet from the island of Elba in 1815 Time the greatest comeback since Napoleon Bonaparte sailed a single-masted fleet from the island of Elba in 1815 Time, September 28, 1992, p. 78.

60 "somewhere in the top ten in the world" "somewhere in the top ten in the world" Seirawan and Stefanovic, p. 283. Seirawan and Stefanovic, p. 283.

61 "True, the match with Spa.s.sky was not all that great" "True, the match with Spa.s.sky was not all that great" Interview of Arnold Denker by the author, December 2000, Boca Raton, Florida. Interview of Arnold Denker by the author, December 2000, Boca Raton, Florida.

62 At this time Vasiljevic was making an arrangement for another match for Bobby At this time Vasiljevic was making an arrangement for another match for Bobby Letter from Isodoro Cherem to Bobby Fischer, August 5, 1992, FB. Letter from Isodoro Cherem to Bobby Fischer, August 5, 1992, FB.

63 Bobby had met Ljubojevic. Vecerne Novosti Bobby had met Ljubojevic. Vecerne Novosti (Yugoslavia newspaper), November 6, 1992. (Yugoslavia newspaper), November 6, 1992.

64 Five hundred thousand depositors had funneled $2 billion into his sixteen bank Five hundred thousand depositors had funneled $2 billion into his sixteen bank www.attacktheking.com.

65 Years later he was extradited to Serbia Years later he was extradited to Serbia March 29, 2010, March 29, 2010, NYT NYT, p. A11.

66 On December 15, 1992, a single-count indictment in federal court in Washington, D.C., was handed down by a grand jury against Bobby Fischer On December 15, 1992, a single-count indictment in federal court in Washington, D.C., was handed down by a grand jury against Bobby Fischer Copy of indictment from the U.S. District Court against Bobby Fischer, December 15, 1992. Copy of indictment from the U.S. District Court against Bobby Fischer, December 15, 1992.

67 "I have no friends here; only Gliga and the bodyguards" "I have no friends here; only Gliga and the bodyguards" Letter from Bobby Fischer to Zita Rajcsanyi, June 14, 1993, in DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 191. Letter from Bobby Fischer to Zita Rajcsanyi, June 14, 1993, in DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 191.

68 "He was rough," she said. Kurir "He was rough," she said. Kurir (Budapest daily), September 13, 1993, p. 20. (Budapest daily), September 13, 1993, p. 20.

69 She left a good-bye note indicating that her affair had nothing to do with why she didn't want to marry him She left a good-bye note indicating that her affair had nothing to do with why she didn't want to marry him. Undated letter from Zita to Bobby Fischer, circa summer 1993, in DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 191.

70 "I was surprised to see how tall and big he was" "I was surprised to see how tall and big he was" Interview of Zsuzsa Polgar by the author, May 23, 2009, Princeton, NJ. Interview of Zsuzsa Polgar by the author, May 23, 2009, Princeton, NJ.

71 She added that there he could socialize with some of the great Hungarian players he knew She added that there he could socialize with some of the great Hungarian players he knew Interview of Zsuza Polgar by author, May 23, 2009, Princeton, NJ. Interview of Zsuza Polgar by author, May 23, 2009, Princeton, NJ.

72 The Polgars, thinking of everything, had taken a chance on their way across the border Lubbock Avalanche-Journal The Polgars, thinking of everything, had taken a chance on their way across the border Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, January 18, 2009.

73 "I think the Hungarians may arrest me as soon as I cross the border." "I think the Hungarians may arrest me as soon as I cross the border." Faxed letter to Miyoko Watai from Bobby Fischer, June 19, 1993, in DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 192. Faxed letter to Miyoko Watai from Bobby Fischer, June 19, 1993, in DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 192.

74 Entering the sparkling city of Budapest Entering the sparkling city of Budapest Undated postcard from the Hotel Gellert, from Bobby Fischer to Regina Fischer, circa summer 1993, MCF. Undated postcard from the Hotel Gellert, from Bobby Fischer to Regina Fischer, circa summer 1993, MCF.

Chapter 13: Crossing Borders.