The world of chess has taken a backseat in the media in the past few years, especially compared to glamour of yesteryear as regards the sport. In 1972, when Bobby Fischer beat Boris Spassky, millions across the world were riveted to their television as ABC's Jim McKay announced every move. Earlier still, 'old-timers' will not soon forget the tension of the old 'Soviet Test Matches' in which stalwarts such as Mikhail Tal and Mikhail Botvinnik dueled to the death in 1960, every move of which was broadcast over the radio airwaves, and families from Leningrad to Cedar Rapids, Iowa planned their suppers and dinners around the matches and listened intently with their Philco radio.
However, as with everything else, much has changed, and even the great Garry Kasparov now spends most of his time denouncing (probably heroically and correctly) President Putin, rather than slicing up unfortunate opponents with his famous Queens Gambit Declined. There are a few bright spots on the chess horizon however, one of which is a bright up and coming star from the hills of eastern Kentucky, of all places. Jimmy Ray Hayley (pictured above, at left) is a raw, untamed chess player which some have compared to the great Fischer in his prime. While not sharing Fischer's schizophrenia or virulent anti-Semitism, Hayley has displayed an unfortunate weakness for Falstaff beer, and eating obscene quantites of pork brisket and hoop cheese. Hayley also has a marked tendency to engage in needless 'trash talk' after he smashes his opponent, often through a clearly marked 'Scholars Mate'.
Hayley has won his divisions easily, and hopes to travel to Moscow this fall in order to 'throw down the gauntlet' to the great Kasparov, possibly for a best 3 out of 4 match set. Check your local ESPN listings for the possible times, because you will kick and claw yourself if you miss it.
