AWisconsin State Journal Madison, Wisconsin Monday, August 07, 1972 - Page 3
Nixon Invites Fischer to Visit
New York (UPI) — President Nixon, an avid sports fan, is rooting for Bobby Fischer in the world chess championships and has invited the United States challenger to visit him in the White House — win or lose.
Life magazine said Sunday Nixon relayed his invitation to Fischer through Life photographer Harry Benson, who went from a White House assignment to Reykjavik, Iceland, where the chess match is under way.
Nixon likes to call locker rooms to congratulate winning teams, once offered a football play to the Washington Redskins, and recently drew up a list of his all-time, all-star baseball teams.
“Fischer listened with growing delight as Benson reported what Nixon had said, that he wanted Fischer to come visit him, even if he loses, that he liked him ‘because he is a fighter,’ Life said.
The magazine said Fischer, who has “a high and earnest respect” for the President, was “wowed” by the invitation.
