AChicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois, Tuesday, March 24, 1964 - Page 37
(Tribune Staff Photo) Bobby Fischer, ex-U.S. chess champion, playing 54 matches simultaneously against Chicagoans last night.
Sailor Only Player to Beat Master
A sailor from Great Lakes Naval Training station using a new technique—the conference method—was the only one of 54 chess players to defeat Bobby Fischer, former national champion, last night in the final of the young grand master's two-day chess marathon in the Edgewater Beach hotel.
Fischer, 21, lost to Gary Thornell, described by a member of the Chicago Chess Foundation as an average player, during a five-hour session last night after he had won 56 games, drawn 11 and lost four matches Sunday in a 9½-hour session.
Three grand masters stood behind Thornell and when Fischer turned away, they coached the sailor.
At the conclusion of the evening's play Fischer, who drew four games besides losing to Thornell, said the Chicago players were the best he has faced during his nationwide tour.
