Breaking news: Fischer comeback?

5/27/2005 – Bobby Fischer is considering returning to the arena of competitive chess. Yesterday he met with his former adversary Boris Spassky, who travelled to Iceland with the expressed purpose of "drawing Fischer back to the chessboard". Fischer is agreeable to the notion, but insists on a worthy opponent and Fischer Random rules. Video report.

ChessBase 15 - Mega package ChessBase 15 - Mega package

Find the right combination! ChessBase 15 program + new Mega Database 2020 with 8 million games and more than 80,000 master analyses. Plus ChessBase Magazine (DVD + magazine) and CB Premium membership for 1 year!

More...

Einar S. Einarsson of the RJF Group tells us: Boris Spassky revisited Reykjavik yesterday to meet with his old friend and former adversary Bobby Fischer. It was a happy reunion, as they have not met since 1994 in Budapest. Boris expressed his gladness over Bobby's freedom and new life in Iceland.

Spassky was in the company of GM Joel Lautier of France, President of ACP (Association of Chess Professionals) and Dr. Alex Titomirov, a Russian/American scientist and businessman. The purpose of their visit was to discuss the possible comeback of the 11th world champion, specifically for Bobby to play a Fischer random chess match against a worthy opponent.


Fischer at the original 1972 Fischer vs Spassky table in Reykjavik

This historic event if held would take place in Iceland later this year. Nothing was signed or concluded, but the parties are expected to meet again in 2-3 weeks. The meeting with Mr. Fischer was arranged with the help of GM Helgi Ólafsson and Einar S. Einarsson, chairman of the RJF-Group.

Report in Icelandic TV

Spassky's visit to Iceland and the plans of Alex Titomirov were the subject of a news item in an Icelandic TV news channel last night.

Dr. Alex Titomirov: "All I can say is that we have discussions. There are some number of steps which we have to undertake. I will probably be back in a couple of weeks, or three weeks, and then we can talk about it. I think that human civilisation is going to have huge benefit as a result of this event. Citizens of the world will see the progress in chess, especially in Fischer Random Chess. That is one of my main interests." Asked whether we can expect to see a championship in Iceland Titomirov answers: "Everything is possible. But there is no agreement at this point."

Asked if he would be playing against Fischer Boris Spassky replies: "No, there is no idea about that. I am just very happy... for me he was a friend."

Links

<< Come watch the Accoona match in New York
Monokroussos on Shirov vs Grischuk, Delhi 2000 >>
Discussion and Feedback Join the public discussion or submit your feedback to the editors

See also

"Prestigious University Chess Invitational" taking place in Tianjin

11/28/2019 – Twelve prestigious universities from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan and China have sent chess squads to Tianjin. Nankai University is hosting the event as part of the celebrations of its 100-year anniversary. WGM QIYU ZHOU is in the coastal metropolis representing the University of Toronto. She sent us a pictorial report of her experience so far. | Pictured: Representatives of each university during the opening ceremony. | Photo: Liu Yi
More...
 182

See also

Sinquefield Cup Ultimate moves and Closing Ceremony

8/29/2019 – The 2019 Sinquefield Cup playoff ended up with Ding Liren beating world champion Magnus Carlsen to win the title and take home $82.500. After two draws in the rapid games, the Chinese star beat Carlsen in both blitz encounters. The commentators and the world champion deservedly praised Ding's performance. Express report. | Photo: Lennart Ootes / Grand Chess Tour
More...
 112

Video

The Kasparov Gambit

The introductory position of the Kasparov Gambit can occur after 1 d4,1 Nf3 and 1 c4, which can appeal to a wide range of players. The usual move order is 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 c5 3 Nf3 cxd4 4 Nxd4 e5!? 5 Nb5 d5 6 cxd5 Bc5 bringing us to a very sharp position. On this 60 mins, FIDE Senior Trainer Andrew Martin argues the case from the Black side, showing both classic Kasparov masterpieces and games from the present day and suggests that White's defensive task is not easy. This is a practical gambit which will help players at all levels to win more games. It is ideal for must-win situations with Black. It is a gambit that White cannot decline,as if he does, Black gets a good position instantly. White must take up the cudgels and fight!

Discuss

Rules for reader comments

 
 

Not registered yet? Register