Farewell to the King: Bobby Fischer

“Chess is life.” - Robert J. Fischer (1943-2008)

So it was for this child prodigy, teenage grandmaster and a world chess champion before the age of 30.

Bobby Fischer’s triumph over Boris Spassky during the height of the Cold War period in 1972 broke the hegemonic reign of the Soviet Union on the world of chess competition. Before that classic match held in Reykjavík, Iceland, the Soviets have dominated the world chess championship since 1948.

As a young kid, his brilliance greatly inspired me to play chess which for a long time (aside from basketball and soccer), was my favorite sport and pastime.

Tragically, much of his achievements early in life were often overshadowed by the controversial positions and prejudiced statements he was repeatedly quoted later in life.

The legendary Chess King died last January 17 at the age of 64.