Today in History – Nov. 5
In 1992, U.S. chess legend Bobby Fischer clinched a $5 million chess match against Russian Boris Spassky, marking a triumphant return after 20 years in self-imposed obscurity.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
This day in history
RIP Bobby, we love you
Seems like it was only yesterday.
I feel sorry for Boris….seems like he’s generally remembered for the matches he lost..not the ones he won.!! And getting that title was not easy for him in the least. And hey!…who’s stupid idea was it to put the name plates BEHIND the players??? Despite its rather shaky Prestige..financing..etc..(That’s a whole other kettle of fish) That match was better broadcasted and marketed ,organized and put out to the public than any of the “Official” events of the time. Even today chess “Marketers” could learn from it. Besides…after such a long layoff….I don’t think they played so terribly. I was what it was…but the fun of it was the spectacle..(Which Fischer always produced.) Marketing students…take note.
This was sad. No one in their right mind took this as a “world championship” event and the chess was not of the highest level.
A good payday, but it started Fischer’s problems with his government and might be viewed as his last public act before sinking into madness.
Fischer was the best ever ‘pre computer’ chess player.
And none in their right minds take the next WCC event as the Chess at it’s highest level either…Paydays are what chess is all about! Sad but true.
What? No mention of the firestorm of legal problems this match caused him? His silly government’s sanctions, seizing his passport and causing him to be a fugitive for the rest of his life?
The full story, I’m sure, is yet to be told.
The 1992 Fischer-Spassky rematch was very interesting, but to call it a World Championship was a complete joke! Neither player were even close to Kasparov and Karpov at that time. Good entertainment for fans, but nothing more.