The Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday, September 14, 1958
Whiz Kid at Chessboard
But Bobby, 15, Finds Books Baffling
New York Times Service
New York, Sept. 13—Bobby Fischer, 15-year-old Brooklyn boy who this week moved into the top rank of world chess players, has headed home for what may be even more difficult brain work.
Bobby, who excels in the things he likes and has difficulty with those he doesn't, missed the first week of his junior year at Erasmus High School in Brooklyn because he was playing in an international tournament in Portoroz, Yugoslavia.
HE TIED FOR fifth place, qualifying for a part in next year's challenger's tournament to decide who will meet Mikhail Botvinnik of Russia in 1960 for the world title. His performance made him the youngest person ever to qualify as an international grand master.
Bobby's mother, Mrs. Regina Fischer, had expected him home in time to start school Monday. But Saturday learned he had been unable to get a seat on a plane and would be delayed several more days.
HIS PRINCIPAL, Miss Grace Corey said he wouldn't be subject to any disciplinary action for his late arrival at school — “But it will be very difficult to make up the work he lost.”
In the past, Bobby has had difficulties with school work, even while moving up in the ranks of chess players to capture first the United States Open chess tournament and then the U.S. chess championship.
But last year, despite an intensive schedule, he settled down and scored 97 in mathematics, 90 in Spanish and 80 in biology examinations.
This year, though his principal said he would be carrying five courses — English, Spanish, intermediate algebra, world history and physical chemistry.
