World chess champion Garry Kasparov signed a chess board for Steve Kreyenbuhl on May 10, 1992, at the National High School Champion Chess Tournament at the Lexington Center. Kasparov, who at age 22 became the youngest ever undisputed world chess champion in 1985, was the star attraction on the final day. Hundreds of competitors stood in line for a chance to shake the grandmaster’s hand, and four members of the Bryan Station Middle School chess team got the chance to lose to the 29-year-old Russian citizen, whom many consider the greatest chess player of all time. Lesley Brashear, 13, was one of the lucky Bryan Station students who got to play the champ. “It was really cool. Every move I made, he always had a comeback. There was no way to get around him,” Lesley said. Kasparov let each student dictate his opening move, allowing the youngsters a strong start. He quietly suggested good moves. Kasparov said chess gives young people self-confidence and self-esteem by teaching responsibility. “You win, you lose; it’s your responsibility.” Photo by Tim Sharp

International chess grandmaster Gregory Kaidanov played 59 games simultaneously on May 7, 1992, during the National High School Champion Chess Tournament. About 1,100 students from more than 30 states came to the Lexington Center for the weekend tournament. More than 150 of them were Kentuckians. Even though it was a high school tournament and most of the players were from that age group, students of all grades were allowed to enter. The defending champion was an eighth-grader from New York. The youngest participant was a fifth-grader from Arizona. A senior from New Jersey won the tournament, during which almost 400 trophies were awarded. Two Kentuckians finished 12th and 26th in the championship division. In team competition, South Oldham High in Crestwood finished 14th in the championship division, and Lexington’s Henry Clay High School finished 21st. Henry Clay also finished fifth in the five-minute speed chess blitz contest. Photo by Tom Marks | Staff