Poughkeepsie Journal Poughkeepsie, New York Tuesday, September 03, 1963 - Page 20
Fischer's Cry
‘I'm the Best,’ Says Bobby; Rivals Find They Must Agree
Bobby Fischer was born on March 9, 1943, and learned the moves of chess from his sister at a very early age. Residing in Brooklyn, he had many chances to meet and play some of the best players in the country, who compete in Manhattan's many chess clubs. He soon showed a talent for the game and became a chess master at the age of 12.
At 14 Bobby won the U.S. championship, the youngest player ever to achieve that distinction, and has captured that title five times. The only time he did not win in the last six years was when he elected not to compete two years ago. At 16, as a result of his outstanding performances in foreign tournaments, the World Chess Federation bestowed upon him the title of International Grandmaster, making Bobby the youngest player to gain such an honor.
NOW, AT 20, he is the leading contender for the World Championship, which is currently held by Tigran Petrosian, of the Soviet Union. Almost all chess authorities feel that Bobby will indeed be the next champion of the world.
Smiling and genial, Fischer is shy in everything but his chess prowess. Bobby is anything but the picture of the popular conception of the prima donna chess genius. He stresses the need for the actions of a gentleman in the game.
“I am the best chess play in the world,” Bobby says sincerely. Thus far, no challenger can be found to dispute him.