Chess legend Spassky visits rival Fischer’s grave
Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:32am IST
REYKJAVIK (Reuters) – Boris Spassky, the Soviet chess champ who famously squared off against Bobby Fischer in Iceland at the height of the Cold War, visited his former rival’s grave on Tuesday at a small cemetery near the capital.
Fischer, who died in January aged 64, bested Spassky in that headline-grabbing 1972 match to become the first, and still only, American world chess champion.
A clearly moved Spassky bent and dusted snow off the grave and flowers before straightening up and wiping his eyes.
“Do you think the spot next to him is available,” he joked to reporters afterward, adding, “We will see what happens.”
Fischer beat Spassky again in a 1992 rematch played in the former Yugoslavia that defied U.S. sanctions and turned him into a fugitive from his native United States.
He eventually became an Icelandic citizen after coming to the small North Atlantic island nation in 2005.
Source: Reuters
A very sweet comment from Mr Spassky illustrating yet again what a gentleman his is.
Mike Magnan
Spassky has always been a gentleman. Maybe some of our current top GMs could emulate his behaviour (including some of the USCF politicians!!!!)
How great behavior of Boris Spassky, hats off to him! A real jewel for chess.
Spassky is a class act. A great sportman and champ of Chess.
Before their 1992 match Spassky said: “Fischer has rescued me from oblivion”…and they both retired millionares. I agree Spassky is a true gentleman!
Fischer, who died in January aged 64, bested Spassky in that headline-grabbing 1972 match to become the first, and still only, American world chess champion.
Fischer was neither the first or the only American world champion. That myth is as persistent as the idea that the 21st century started in 2000.
“Do you think the spot next to him is available,” he joked to reporters afterward,
“Sure. Get in,” replied the reporter.
Boxers Muhammed Ali and George Foreman later became good friends too.
Maybe it helps that Hulk Hogan was out running an errand when they phoned Hulk’s home to pitch the idea of the “Hulk Hogan Grill”.
“Maybe it helps that Hulk Hogan was out running an errand when they phoned Hulk’s home to pitch the idea of the “Hulk Hogan Grill”.”
The Hulk Hogan Grill makes the best burgers, BROTHER!
HULKMANIA RULES!
Pass the mustard…
I met Spassky once. He truly was a kind, warm, and bright man.
I met Spassky once. He truly was a kind, warm, and bright man.