Chess world mourns the loss of Lisa Lane, a trailblazing American chess star who passed away at the age of 90 in her home in Carmel, N.Y. Lane, a two-time United States women’s champion and the first chess player to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, left a lasting impact on the game.
Lane’s journey into the world of chess was unconventional, as she discovered the game while in college at Temple University in Philadelphia. Within two years, she had already claimed the title of United States women’s champion, catapulting her into the spotlight.
Despite her success, Lane faced challenges in a male-dominated sport, where women earned considerably less prize money than their male counterparts. Lane’s efforts to advocate for equal pay for female chess players were met with resistance, leading her to eventually retire from competitive chess.
Throughout her career, Lane’s beauty and youth often overshadowed her chess prowess, with many focusing more on her appearance than her skill. Despite the obstacles she faced, Lane continued to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes in the chess world.
In her later years, Lane found love and settled down with Neil Hickey, a longtime reporter for TV Guide. Together, they ran a natural food store in Carmel.
The legacy of Lisa Lane lives on in the chess community, where she will be remembered for her talent, determination, and unwavering advocacy for gender equality in the sport. As the chess world mourns her loss, Lane’s impact on the game will continue to inspire future generations of players.
