The Indianapolis News Indianapolis, Indiana Friday, July 07, 1972 - Page 5
'Psst, Boris: Hoosier Won' by Philip Allen
Even if Bobby Fischer loses to Boris Spassky in the world championship match next week in Reykjavik, Iceland, Fischer already has captured the imagination of Hoosier “wood pushers”
With all the pregame publicity, Fischer has popularized the ancient game that stresses intuitive ability, concentration and a powerful memory.
But the American grandmaster won't lose the match, contend several Hoosiers who are “following the game.” And they're not speaking vicariously.
They played the chess genius at the hall of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1504, 6501 Massachusetts, in 1964. Fischer, 21 then, played 50 games simultaneously and he beat all but two opponents.
Joe Couperous, 7545 E. Raymond, came away with a draw. But Stasys Makeutenas, 4907 E. 41st, beat Fischer.
Impossible, you say?
“I won in 14 moves,” Makutenas said today when asked about the meet sponsored by the Western Electric Chess Club. “I think I won because I prepared to play his game, the king's gambit variation, and that's what Fischer played.”
Makutenas says he would like to play Fischer again, not individually, but in another simultaneous game situation.
A check by The News showed retail sales of chess sets have increased in the city and an industrial chess league has been established.
But the real enthusiasm generated by “the game” is among “wood pushers” like George Lindenborg, a chemist for Western Electric, who lost to Fischer in the 1964 match.
“Fischer smashed me in about 20 moves,” Lindenborg said.
How will Fischer do against the older Russian? Lindenborg and Makutenas are confident Bobby will win.
“I think he'll win hands down,” Lindenborg said.
“I think he's going to win because he's younger and more aggressive,” added Makutenas.
Both men feel the publicity of the match will benefit chess lovers in Indiana and throughout the U.S.
“Chess is a discipline, and kids need this game along with sports like basketball,” Lindenborg said.
