A week ago Boris Spassky, the tenth world champion in the history of the game,
suffered a mild stroke, probably a transient ischemic attack (TIA), during
a stay in San Francisco. Boris was taken to a hospital, where he is recovering
completely, with no loss in his physical or mental abilities. The vigorous
69-year-old wanted to to walk out of the hospital after two days, and is, we
are told, in very good spirits. Boris and his wife Marina Spassky would like
to thank all those who have wished him a speedy recovery.
Boris Spassky was giving a series of lectures and talks at the Mechanics'
Institute Chess Club in San Francisco. They arrived last on Thursday, September
28th, and Boris gave lectures to top juniors and the Mechanics' team in the
United States Chess League, a talk to the general public and a 25-board simultaneous
exhibition (score: +20, =5) over the weekend.
Boris Spassky during his lecture at the Mechanics' Institute on Sunday,
Oct, 1st.
During his talk to the general public Boris spoke about the Kramnik-Topalov
match and compared the scandals in this event to incidents in other World Championships.
He made it very clear that Bobby Fischer's actions in Reykjavik were in no
way to be compared to what is going on Elista. He stressed that Bobby's disputes
were with the organizer, never with the opponent, unlike Topalov's attacks,
which are directed against his opponent on the board. Spassky made it unequivocally
clear that his support is with Kramnik, and that he doesn't consider Topalov's
actions to be proper.
The members of the Mechanics' Chess Club, which was founded in 1854, greatly
enjoyed having the Spassky's come to San Francisco and all the events were
very well attended.
Information and picture from John Donaldson
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