The Press Democrat Santa Rosa, California Sunday, November 10, 1963 - Page 29
Fischer The Master
What a far cry the Bobby Fischer of today is from the boy who used to go into a corner and cry whenever he suffered a defeat at the chessboard! Fischer is now 20 and has the distinction of having been the youngest player ever—at 15— to receive the title of Grandmaster from the Federation Internationale des Echecs.
He is the champion of the United States (for the fifth time) and will represent the U.S. in the Interzonal Tourney next year. He also holds this year's Western and New York titles and is without question the strongest contender for the world title that this country has fielded since the distant days of Paul Morphy, the New Orleans comet.
Shocked Staid Players
When Fischer first burst on the chess scene, his interests shocked staid players. He liked to read Superman-type comic books and to play rock 'n' roll records. He tended to be curt and he set many of his older colleagues' teeth on edge by his superior attitude.
He is a different young man now. His style of play is clearcut and sharp—as is his dress.
He is tall, slender and handsome. His manner now is comparatively diplomatic. It is unfortunate that he did not play in the Los Angeles International last summer, for many, I among them, believe that he could have walked off with that important event. If he participates in the U.S. Championship this year, it is almost a foregone conclusion that he will wear the crown for the sixth time.
Here is a game from the New York State Championship this year which he won seven out of seven!