You don't need a photographic memory to remember openings. You could simply study them. Also, what use is a photographic memory when you are sitting there right in front of the board? If would be helpful if you knocked the board off of the table and the pieces went flying all over.
As is counting matches(or was it toothpicks) and trying it in the casino to make millions.But no, I think there is no use in remembering openings if you truly understand the game of chess. recognizing positions is important, but the similarities would be in the characteristics, not in the exact locations.Photographic memories are not neccessary for becoming a world class player, according to me. It will not help very much either probably.Good memories are always great for studying in the first place.
I have read that Tal also had a photographic memory. While having a great memory might not be necessary to play great chess I am sure it helps, as it would in most things.
There's been speculation that Fischer suffered from Asperger Syndrome or some other form of high-functioning autism. I don't have the expertise to know one way or the other if there's any factual basis for the speculation but from a laypersons perspective I have to admit that Fischer's feats of memory are strongly reminiscent of the kinds of skills one usually sees in autistic savants.
Thanks for the information.
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