"Lowder vs Laverty Freestyle Championship Match" This picture was taken at the 1989 WTM "Go As You Please" World Championship Title Match between Don Lafferty (Champion) on right, and the challenger, Elbert Lowder, on the left. The match was refereed by Richard Fortman, who is pictured in the center, and was played at the International Checker Hall of Fame in Petal, Mississippi. Lafferty was successful in turning back Lowder's challenge with a come from behind 4-3-16 victory. This photo was sent to Earl Hangen by Richard Fortman for use in Earl's "Wood's Ladder Report", and is reproduced here from Online Museum of Checkers History. This original picture is currently in the possession of Jay Hinnershitz, West Reading, PA. who has Earl Hangen's fine collection of checker memorabilia. Read more about this match.