Athletes - Marion Tinsley

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	Athletes - Marion Tinsley

Marion Tinsley (February 3, 1927 - April 3, 1995) is considered the greatest checkers player ever. He was world champion from 1955-1958 and from 1975-1991. Tinsley never lost a World Championship match, and only lost seven games in his entire 45 year career. He withdrew from championship play during the years 1958 - 1975, relinquishing the title during this time.

Tinsley retired from championship play in 1991. In August 1992, He defeated the Chinook computer program 4 - 2 in a match. Chinook had placed second at the U.S. Nationals in 1990, which usually qualifies one to compete for a national title. However, the American Checkers Federation and the English Draughts Association refused to allow a computer to play for the title. Unable to appeal their decision, Tinsley resigned his title as World Champion and immediately indicated his desire to play against Chinook. The unofficial yet highly publicized match was quickly organized. The ACF and the EDA were then placed in the awkward position of naming a new world champion, a title which would be worthless as long as Tinsley was still alive. They granted Tinsley the award of World Champion Emeritus as a solution.

In August 1994, a second match with Chinook was organized, but Tinsley withdrew after only six games (all draws) for health reasons. Don Lafferty, rated the number two player in the world at the time, replaced Tinsley and fought Chinook to a draw. Tinsley was diagnosed with cancer a week later. In another seven months, this would claim his life. He is sometimes listed as "Dr. Marion Tinsley" because he had a doctorate in mathematics. He worked as a professor of mathematics at the University of Florida at Tallahassee. He also served as a Baptist minister.

Tinsley, Marion Tinsley, Marion Tinsley, Marion

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