Endgame_ Bobby Fischer's Remarkable Rise And Fall Part 21

Interviews of Pal Benko, Olga Lilienthal (by Dimitry Komarov), Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, and Zsuzsa Polgar, in addition to others that appear in Tivadar Farkashazy's book Bobby Vizzater Bobby Vizzater, were invaluable sources for this chapter.

1 "You don't need bodyguards in Budapest" "You don't need bodyguards in Budapest" Interview of Pal Benko by author, summer 2008, New York. Interview of Pal Benko by author, summer 2008, New York.

2 To protect himself, he bought a heavy coat made of horse leather To protect himself, he bought a heavy coat made of horse leather Interview of Pal Benko by author, summer 2008, New York. Interview of Pal Benko by author, summer 2008, New York.

3 As soon as he was settled at the Hotel Gellert, Bobby was invited to spend part of the summer with the Polgars As soon as he was settled at the Hotel Gellert, Bobby was invited to spend part of the summer with the Polgars Interview of Zsuzsa Polgar by author, May 2009, Princeton, NJ. Interview of Zsuzsa Polgar by author, May 2009, Princeton, NJ.

4 about thirty-five miles north of Budapest, in the verdant Danube Bend section of the Slavic Hills of Hungary about thirty-five miles north of Budapest, in the verdant Danube Bend section of the Slavic Hills of Hungary "Seeking the Fischer King," "Seeking the Fischer King," New York Daily News New York Daily News, August 22, 1993.

5 All of the sisters played chess with him, but acceding to his preference, they played Fischer Random All of the sisters played chess with him, but acceding to his preference, they played Fischer Random Gligoric, Gligoric, Shall We Play Shall We Play, p. 86.

6 Zsuzsa played him "countless games" Zsuzsa played him "countless games" Interview of Zsuzsa Polgar by author, May 2009, Princeton, NJ. Interview of Zsuzsa Polgar by author, May 2009, Princeton, NJ.

7 "I tried to convince him in the beginning about the realities" "I tried to convince him in the beginning about the realities" Interview of Zsuzsa Polgar by author, May 23, 2009, Princeton, NJ. Interview of Zsuzsa Polgar by author, May 23, 2009, Princeton, NJ.

8 "He was like a big kid," Zsuzsa fondly remembered "He was like a big kid," Zsuzsa fondly remembered Interview of Zsuzsa Polgar by author, May 2009, Princeton, NJ. Interview of Zsuzsa Polgar by author, May 2009, Princeton, NJ.

9 Even after living there for years, he referred to himself as a "tourist" Even after living there for years, he referred to himself as a "tourist" Calypso Radio interview of Bobby Fischer, January 13, 1999. Calypso Radio interview of Bobby Fischer, January 13, 1999.

10 Although Olga was almost the same age as Bobby Although Olga was almost the same age as Bobby Interview of Olga Lilienthal by Dmitry Komarov, circa 2008, letter courtesy of Magnus Skula.s.son. Interview of Olga Lilienthal by Dmitry Komarov, circa 2008, letter courtesy of Magnus Skula.s.son.

11 "You are a good man, a good person, so you are not a Jew." "You are a good man, a good person, so you are not a Jew." Farkashazy, p. 97. Farkashazy, p. 97.

12 Andrei had surrept.i.tiously taken a photograph of Bobby at a New Year's Eve dinner party Andrei had surrept.i.tiously taken a photograph of Bobby at a New Year's Eve dinner party Interview of Pal Benko by author, May 2010, New York. Interview of Pal Benko by author, May 2010, New York.

13 He relayed a message to Lilienthal that he'd deliver the $100,000 in American cash to Bobby personally He relayed a message to Lilienthal that he'd deliver the $100,000 in American cash to Bobby personally Interview of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov by author, August 2002, Cherry Hill, NJ. Interview of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov by author, August 2002, Cherry Hill, NJ.

14 "I was struck by how Fischer was up on everything that was happening in our country." "I was struck by how Fischer was up on everything that was happening in our country." Vladimir Linder and Isaac Linder, "From Morphy to Fischer-Who's Next?" Unpublished essay, Russia, no year. Vladimir Linder and Isaac Linder, "From Morphy to Fischer-Who's Next?" Unpublished essay, Russia, no year.

15 Ilyumzhinov suggested that Bobby move to Kalmykia Ilyumzhinov suggested that Bobby move to Kalmykia Interview of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov by author, August 2002, New York. Interview of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov by author, August 2002, New York.

16 Bobby thanked the president and asked about Kalmykia's medical care program Sports Express Bobby thanked the president and asked about Kalmykia's medical care program Sports Express, December 20, 1995.

17 Ilyumzhinov also offered to put up millions for another Fischer-Spa.s.sky match Ilyumzhinov also offered to put up millions for another Fischer-Spa.s.sky match Kasparov, p. 489. Kasparov, p. 489.

18 "The old Jewish scoundrel Andrei Lilienthal" "The old Jewish scoundrel Andrei Lilienthal" From a book in progress by Bobby Fischer, From a book in progress by Bobby Fischer, What Can You Expect from Baby Mutilators? What Can You Expect from Baby Mutilators? November 18, 1997. Extracts appeared in DeLucia and DeLucia, pp 24861. November 18, 1997. Extracts appeared in DeLucia and DeLucia, pp 24861.

19 Incredulous, Bobby asked Sofia: "How can you even talk to those people?" Incredulous, Bobby asked Sofia: "How can you even talk to those people?" Farkashazy, p. 269. Farkashazy, p. 269.

20 When Zita told her mother what he'd said When Zita told her mother what he'd said Farkashazy, p. 135 ff. Farkashazy, p. 135 ff.

21 "Single, tall, rich, handsome, middle-aged American man" "Single, tall, rich, handsome, middle-aged American man" DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 236. DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 236.

22 Once, when coming home late at night from an event Once, when coming home late at night from an event Farkashazy, p. 375. Farkashazy, p. 375.

23 To Kaltenbrunner the fact that the great Bobby Fischer was gracing his home To Kaltenbrunner the fact that the great Bobby Fischer was gracing his home Farkashazy, pp. 38285. Farkashazy, pp. 38285.

24 The film grossed more than $7 million and was nominated for an Academy Award The film grossed more than $7 million and was nominated for an Academy Award Internet Movie Database, Internet Movie Database, imdb.com.

25 It's "a monumental swindle" It's "a monumental swindle" "Bobby Fischer Moves to a Satisfying Peace," "Bobby Fischer Moves to a Satisfying Peace," Chicago Sun-Times Chicago Sun-Times, September 26, 1993.

26 Bobby felt safe enough to travel and eventually went to many countries Bobby felt safe enough to travel and eventually went to many countries Interview of Pal Benko by author, April 2010, New York. Interview of Pal Benko by author, April 2010, New York.

27 Mysteriously, he also journeyed to Italy to meet a member of the Mafia Mysteriously, he also journeyed to Italy to meet a member of the Mafia Farkashazy, p. 198. Farkashazy, p. 198.

28 Some chess players in the state of Washington conjectured that he surrept.i.tiously entered the United States Chess Some chess players in the state of Washington conjectured that he surrept.i.tiously entered the United States Chess, January 2001, p. 8.

29 Sometimes he'd vary his routine and go on long walks Chicago Sun-Times Sometimes he'd vary his routine and go on long walks Chicago Sun-Times, September 26, 1993.

30 Ellsworth actually realized his error in time to attend the auction and buy back $8,000 worth of the material Ellsworth actually realized his error in time to attend the auction and buy back $8,000 worth of the material Bohm and Jongkind, p. 65. Bohm and Jongkind, p. 65.

31 He just wouldn't let it rest He just wouldn't let it rest Bobby Fischer live radio interviews, Bobby Fischer live radio interviews, http://bobbyfischerpage.tripod.com.

32 One psychiatrist, Dr. Magnus Skula.s.son, who knew Bobby well toward the end of his life One psychiatrist, Dr. Magnus Skula.s.son, who knew Bobby well toward the end of his life Interview of Dr. Magnus Skula.s.son by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland. Interview of Dr. Magnus Skula.s.son by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland.

33 Saidy added that the media were exploitative in publishing the most hideous of Bobby's statements CL Saidy added that the media were exploitative in publishing the most hideous of Bobby's statements CL, June 1999, letter to Larry Evans in Evans on Chess Evans on Chess.

34 He lambasted Saidy for living in the United States He lambasted Saidy for living in the United States Extract from Bobby Fischer's diary, August 5, 1999, in DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 285. Extract from Bobby Fischer's diary, August 5, 1999, in DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 285.

35 Bobby and Miyoko, both in their late fifties, lived a quiet life Bobby and Miyoko, both in their late fifties, lived a quiet life http://www.a.n.u.sha.com/paf690.htm.

36 One of his friends who observed them together said that he treated little Jinky with affection One of his friends who observed them together said that he treated little Jinky with affection Interview with Gardar Sverrisson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland. Interview with Gardar Sverrisson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland.

37 "Yes, well, this is all wonderful news" "Yes, well, this is all wonderful news" Interview of Bobby Fischer on Radio Baguio, September 11, 2001. Interview of Bobby Fischer on Radio Baguio, September 11, 2001.

Chapter 14: Arrest and Rescue.

1 He wanted the world to know about his devestating loss He wanted the world to know about his devestating loss DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 275. DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 275.

2 brought renewed scrutiny by the United States government NYT brought renewed scrutiny by the United States government NYT, July 17, 2004, p. A1.

3 twenty-four new pages perfectly sewn in twenty-four new pages perfectly sewn in http://www.canoe.ca/newsstand/columnists/ottawa.

4 It was dated December 11, 2003 It was dated December 11, 2003 Letter on "Emba.s.sy of the United States of America-Manila, Philippines" stationery, dated December 11, 2003, to Robert James Fischer, signed by Theodore Allegra, Consul of the U.S.A., FB. Letter on "Emba.s.sy of the United States of America-Manila, Philippines" stationery, dated December 11, 2003, to Robert James Fischer, signed by Theodore Allegra, Consul of the U.S.A., FB.

5 being that the emba.s.sy had never sent the letter to Bern being that the emba.s.sy had never sent the letter to Bern Chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=1852.

6 "He was so upset, and I didn't know what to say" "He was so upset, and I didn't know what to say" Interview of Miyoko Watai by Ev Mafurji on Interview of Miyoko Watai by Ev Mafurji on chessbase.com, January 9, 2004.

7 Miyoko, for her part, thought that U.S. authorities could have arrested Bobby anytime Miyoko, for her part, thought that U.S. authorities could have arrested Bobby anytime AP wire story (Tokyo), July 18, 2004. AP wire story (Tokyo), July 18, 2004.

8 Another time, he purposely stepped on the gla.s.ses of a guard Another time, he purposely stepped on the gla.s.ses of a guard Interview of Saemi Palsson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland. Interview of Saemi Palsson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland.

9 Fischer called it a "kidnapping" Fischer called it a "kidnapping" Quoted in network news footage, March 24, 2005. Quoted in network news footage, March 24, 2005.

10 He also wrote to Secretary of State Colin Powell He also wrote to Secretary of State Colin Powell AP wire story (Asia), August 17, 2004. AP wire story (Asia), August 17, 2004.

11 "permanently renounce my U.S. citizenship." "permanently renounce my U.S. citizenship." Bloomberg News Service. August 6, 2004. Bloomberg News Service. August 6, 2004.

12 Bobby's plea was based on his paternity Bobby's plea was based on his paternity http://21-1-TW. Facebook.

13 North Korea...Libya...Iran...Montenegro...The Philippines North Korea...Libya...Iran...Montenegro...The Philippines Undated e-mail from Miyoko Watai to Pal Benko, circa spring 2005 in DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 304. Undated e-mail from Miyoko Watai to Pal Benko, circa spring 2005 in DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 304.

14 Venezuela...Switzerland Venezuela...Switzerland. "Freeing Bobby Fischer," a report by Einar S. Einarsson, June 6, 2008, FB.

15 he'd become part of the Icelandic sagas NYT he'd become part of the Icelandic sagas NYT, (London), January 28, 2005, p. A7.

16 "Saemi, this is Bobby." "Saemi, this is Bobby." From the film From the film Me and Bobby Fischer Me and Bobby Fischer, 2009.

17 He was on a plane to the East He was on a plane to the East Interview of Saemi Palsson by author, October 7, 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland. Interview of Saemi Palsson by author, October 7, 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland.

18 To not help them, they believed To not help them, they believed "Freeing Bobby Fischer," a report by Einar S. Einarsson, June 6, 2008, FB. "Freeing Bobby Fischer," a report by Einar S. Einarsson, June 6, 2008, FB.

19 they began lobbying the Icelandic government they began lobbying the Icelandic government Interview of Einar Einarsson by author, October 8, 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland. Interview of Einar Einarsson by author, October 8, 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland.

20 "We feel obliged to express our deepest dismay" "We feel obliged to express our deepest dismay" Letter of March 15, 2005, by the RJF Committee, FB. Letter of March 15, 2005, by the RJF Committee, FB.

21 "the whole country has no culture, no taste" "the whole country has no culture, no taste" Interview of Bobby Fischer on Bombo Radyo, August 12, 2004. Interview of Bobby Fischer on Bombo Radyo, August 12, 2004.

22 Fischer then announced that he was going to marry Fischer then announced that he was going to marry AP wire story (Asia), August 17, 2004. AP wire story (Asia), August 17, 2004.

23 "a p.a.w.n can become a queen." NYT "a p.a.w.n can become a queen." NYT, August 20, 2004, p. A5.

24 "I'd rather not say" "I'd rather not say" a.s.sociated Press, December 4, 2006. a.s.sociated Press, December 4, 2006.

25 "It was already a de-facto marriage." NYT "It was already a de-facto marriage." NYT, August 20, 2004, p. A5.

26 "We had been satisfied with our life before he was detained" "We had been satisfied with our life before he was detained" Interview of Miyoko Watai by Ev Mafurji on Interview of Miyoko Watai by Ev Mafurji on chessbase.com, January 9, 2004.

27 After months behind bars After months behind bars http://www.channelnewasia.com.

28 Honorable Members of Althingi Honorable Members of Althingi From Bobby Fischer, January 19, 2005. FB. From Bobby Fischer, January 19, 2005. FB.

29 These calls to Gardar These calls to Gardar Interview of Gardar Sverisson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland. Interview of Gardar Sverisson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland.

30 Bobby read some of the book Bobby read some of the book Letter from Richard Vattuone to author, January 2010. Letter from Richard Vattuone to author, January 2010.

31 f.u.kushima criticized Chieko Nohno f.u.kushima criticized Chieko Nohno "Freeing Bobby Fischer," a report by Einar S. Einarsson, June 6, 2008, FB. "Freeing Bobby Fischer," a report by Einar S. Einarsson, June 6, 2008, FB.

32 warning that if action weren't taken quickly warning that if action weren't taken quickly E-mail exchange between Einar Einarsson and John Bosnitch, March 21, 2005, FB. E-mail exchange between Einar Einarsson and John Bosnitch, March 21, 2005, FB.

33 "When the leader of a country" "When the leader of a country" Interview of David Oddsson by author, October 10, 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland. Interview of David Oddsson by author, October 10, 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland.

34 A federal grand jury in Washington A federal grand jury in Washington AP wire story (Philadelphia), March 8, 2005. AP wire story (Philadelphia), March 8, 2005.

35 suggesting that Iceland drop the offer of sanctuary j.a.pan Times suggesting that Iceland drop the offer of sanctuary j.a.pan Times, December 23, 2004.

36 Fischer's alleged crime of a violation of trade sanctions Fischer's alleged crime of a violation of trade sanctions Ibid. Ibid.

37 "The Immigration Bureau must think" Mainichi Daily News "The Immigration Bureau must think" Mainichi Daily News, March 22, 2005.

38 polled on whether to grant Fischer permanent citizenship polled on whether to grant Fischer permanent citizenship Act Respecting the Granting of Citizenship, no. 16/2005, FB. Act Respecting the Granting of Citizenship, no. 16/2005, FB.

39 a limousine supplied by the Icelandic emba.s.sy a limousine supplied by the Icelandic emba.s.sy AP wire story, March 23, 2005. AP wire story, March 23, 2005.

40 This was nothing but a kidnapping" This was nothing but a kidnapping" Watching America website, and various network sources. March 24, 2005, FB. Watching America website, and various network sources. March 24, 2005, FB.

41 "It is not his beard" "It is not his beard" Interview with Zita Farkashazy by Tivadar Farkashazy; Interview with Zita Farkashazy by Tivadar Farkashazy; Bobby Visszater Bobby Visszater, p. 369.

Chapter 15: Living and Dying in Iceland.

A great amount of the source material for this chapter consisted of face-to-face interviews, telephone conversations, and correspondence with many Icelanders who knew Bobby Fischer during his residence in Reykjavik (20052008) and in 1972, and who were instrumental in freeing him from imprisonment in j.a.pan. Additionally, correspondence with Bobby's lawyers resulted in the clarification of important information. Examination of doc.u.ments and correspondence concerning his detention and the ultimate granting of his Icelandic citizenship also provided new facts.

1 blue denim work shirt and pants blue denim work shirt and pants AFP (Reykjavik), January 19, 2008. AFP (Reykjavik), January 19, 2008.

2 As for what people thought about his dress As for what people thought about his dress Interview of Gardar Sverrisson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland. Interview of Gardar Sverrisson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland.

3 he gave it as a gift to his new friend he gave it as a gift to his new friend Ibid. Ibid.

4 "Fischer came close to being a moron" Skeptical Inquirer "Fischer came close to being a moron" Skeptical Inquirer, Vol. 335, September/October 2009.

5 and sometimes even falling asleep and sometimes even falling asleep Interview of Bragi Kristjonsson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland. Interview of Bragi Kristjonsson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland.

6 "It's good to be free" "It's good to be free" E-mail to Pal Benko from Bobby Fischer, April 20, 2006, in DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 305. E-mail to Pal Benko from Bobby Fischer, April 20, 2006, in DeLucia and DeLucia, p. 305.

7 he pored over books on battles from ancient Greece to World War II he pored over books on battles from ancient Greece to World War II Interview of Einer Einarsson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland. Interview of Einer Einarsson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland.

8 "This is absulutely vicious, illegal and unfair" Morgunbladid "This is absulutely vicious, illegal and unfair" Morgunbladid, July 29, 2005.

9 exchange of long, technical e-mails with UBS exchange of long, technical e-mails with UBS Interview with Einar Einarsson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland. Interview with Einar Einarsson by author, October 2009, Reykjavik, Iceland.

10 So he lost So he lost Letter from UBS, "Termination Business Relationship Account," July 22, 2005, FB. Letter from UBS, "Termination Business Relationship Account," July 22, 2005, FB.

11 UBS liquidated all of his a.s.sets UBS liquidated all of his a.s.sets Bank transfer statements from UBS to Landsbanki, various dates, MayAugust 2005, FB. Bank transfer statements from UBS to Landsbanki, various dates, MayAugust 2005, FB.