ANorth Baton Rouge Journal, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Thursday, September 07, 1972
Local Chess Expert Predicted Fischer's Easy Win 07 Sep 1972, Thu The Zachary Plainsman-News (Zachary, Louisiana) Newspapers.com
Local Chess Expert Predicted Fischer's Easy Win
The Brooklyn-born Bobby Fischer's win over Boris Spassky was predicted by Baton Rougean Don Wagner, former president of the Baton Rouge Chess Association and host for Fischer's 1964 visit to Baton Rouge.
That year Fischer played an exhibition game in Baton Rouge, while simultaneously playing 75 games in New Orleans, winning 70. During his visit here Fischer was a guest in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Don Wagner. Mrs. Wagner (Phyllis), is news editor of The Journal.
Fischer captured the world chess championship Friday, Sept. 1, when Boris Spassky of Russia telephoned his resignation in the 21st game, which had been adjourned overnight.
It marked the first time an American has ever held the title, although Paul Charles Morphy of New Orleans dominated play in the 1850's and came to be known as unofficial world champion.
The title match had a limit of 24 games. This victory gave Fischer 12½ points to Spassky's 8½. Fischer won seven games, each worth a point. Spassky took three, including a forfeit, actually winning only two out of 10 games at the playing board.
Each of 11 draws was worth half a point to each contestant.
Fischer, who is 29, stands to win $156,000 in prize money and will reap further thousands in book royalties and other fees before he has to defend his title in 1976.
While visiting the Wagners, Fischer was taken on a sightseeing drive of the area. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he was fascinated by the flowers, trees and beauty of Baton Rouge.
The accompanying pictures were taken during Fischer's stay at the Wagner home.
Fischer's first meeting with “Tex,” the Don Wagners' seven foot Indigo snake.
GOOD SPORT—Fischer gingerly holds a corn snake and “Puff the Magic Dragon,” an iguana from Mexico.
FISCHER recalled--Don Wagner, former president of the Baton Rouge Chess Association, is shown with Bobby Fischer when he visited in Baton Rouge eight years ago. Wagner's son, Larry, looks on.
READS BIBLE-Fischer is shown reading his Bible. He observes Saturday as his sabbath.
