The Ogden Standard-Examiner Ogden, Utah Sunday, April 05, 1964 - Page 13
Chess Star To Test Utahns Here
State's Top Players Ready to Try Skill In Mass Exhibition
Chess fans from throughout Utah are expected in Ogden Wednesday to view and perhaps challenge the playing techniques of national chess champion Robert J. (Bobby) Fischer.
Fischer is due in Utah early Wednesday morning and will play an exhibition match that evening beginning at 7 in the Weber State College Union Building. This will be his only public appearance in Utah.
The national champ will play a simultaneous exhibition against 40 or 50 local players, including many of Ogden and Salt Lake City chess clubs' top players.
Among the local “champs” pitted against Mr. Fischer will be Scott Liddell, youthful player and champion of the Ogden Chess Club; Charles Metzelaar and Lowell Alvord, “wizard” players in the Ogden club, and the following former Utah state champions from Salt Lake City: Farrell Clark, Gaston Chappius, Richard Hielbut and Richard Owen.
Blind Player
Another interesting challenger will be Richard G. Gibson of the Ogden club, who is blind.
Carl W. Thorstensen, coordinator for arrangements, said challengers should bring their own chess boards and sets. No extra sets will be available.
Admission for spectators will be $1 and those entering play will be charged $4.
Tickets will be sold at the door or can be obtained in advance by calling Mr. Liddell at 399-2032: Mr. Alvord, 392-9271; Mr. Metzeiaar, 393-0720, or Mr. Thorstensen at 394-2949.
Fischer is the 20-year-old chess genius who has been national champion every year but one since he was 14, a year he didn't try for the honor.