Bobby Fischer UK Film Premiere - UPDATED

On Tuesday 5th July London’s Rich Mix cinema hosted the Bobby Fischer Against The World UK premiere event.

The day started with chess Grandmaster Nigel Short playing a 20 board simultaneous match. His opponents included children from the Hackney Chess club, six-time World Snooker champion Steve Davis, comedian Tim Fizthigham, competition winners and journalists.

The match was compered by English Chess Federation president (and Egghead) CJ de Mooi.  Facebook winner Sarah Hegarty achieved the best result, managing to draw with Nigel, whilst Hackney chess club youngster Tarun Malhotra (who was the UK under 11 champion last year) was the longest player to last out against Nigel before resigning.

After the games were over the film was screened in the cinema, and was followed by a panel discussion hosted by Dominic Lawson. Joining him on the panel were Nigel Short, CJ de Mooi and The Telegraph’s chess writer Malcolm Pein.

CJ de Mooi, Nigel Short, Steve Davies and Tim Fitzingham

Sarah Hegarty was the only player to hold Nigel Short to a draw

You can find more pictures at the Doogwoof Flickr page.

Bobby Fischer Against the World is released in UK cinemas on July 15th. Visit the film’s website for screening details.

UPDATE: Here is Sarah's game with Nigel.

Report adapted from Doogwoof Pictures blog.