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Jeff Sarwer, Former Child Chess Prodigy

Jeff Sarwer was a child world chess champion, until his abusive father stopped him from playing. His unconventional childhood has marked the rest of his life.

Jeff Sarwer was a child chess champion, playing and winning competitions all over North America along with his sister. He never went to school, nor lived in a house, but often slept in the car with his father as they travelled the country. His father taught him discipline, motivation and independence, but it all came at a cost. Jeff and his sister suffered an abusive childhood, and finally went on the run to escape the authorities who wanted the children to go to foster parents. Jeff looks back on his childhood with Mike Williams, and his current success as a professional poker player. That's on The Interview after the news.

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Mon 20 Dec 2010 04:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 18 Dec 2010 10:32GMT
  • Sat 18 Dec 2010 19:32GMT
  • Sun 19 Dec 2010 07:32GMT
  • Sun 19 Dec 2010 14:32GMT
  • Mon 20 Dec 2010 04:32GMT

麻豆社 World Service Archive

This programme was restored as part of the World Service archive project