Reprieve For Bobby Fischer

Former chess champion Bobby Fischer won a major battle in his fight against deportation to the United States when a court ruled Wednesday he can stay in Japan until his lawsuit against the deportation order has been heard, his supporters said.

The Tokyo District Court granted Fisher an injunction, meaning he can stay in Japan until the court rules on the lawsuit, according to a statement by Fischer's de facto spokesman, John Bosnitch. The statement said it could take as long as a year to hear that case.

Fischer has been in Japanese custody since he was detained on July 13 after trying to board a flight for the Philippines on an invalid passport. He has claimed, however, that U.S. officials had revoked his passport without following due process.

Fischer's lawyers declared the injunction a "big win."

They also urged the Immigration Bureau not to appeal to a higher court.

"If they do, it would be impossible to see their treatment of this individual as anything but highly political," they said.

Immigration officials had no immediate comment.

Fisher, believed by many to be the best chess player ever, has fought against deportation in a battle that has been full of surprises.

Wanted by the United States for violating international sanctions against Yugoslavia in 1992, Fischer has, through his supporters, denounced the deportation order as politically motivated. He has said he wants to renounce his U.S. citizenship and is threatening to apply for German citizenship or political asylum in a third country.

Since his detention, he has also announced his engagement to longtime companion Miyoko Watai, acting head of the Japan Chess Association.

His wedding plans have been stalled by his passport woes - a valid passport is generally required of foreigners filing for marriage in Japan.

But according to Wednesday's statement, Fischer's application to marry Watai has received provisional acceptance by local authorities.

Fischer rose to chess stardom by defeating Boris Spassky, formerly of the Soviet Union, in a series of games in 1972 to claim the world championship. After bickering over conditions, he refused to defend that title and became increasingly erratic and reclusive until returning to the spotlight for the 1992 rematch.

By Eric Talmadge