Boris Spassky(1937-2025)
Boris Spassky entered world chess history primarily as the tenth world champion. In addition to the main title in his life, Spassky has many other titles and merits. He was the second child in the family (older brother Georgiy). During the World War II, the family was evacuated to the Urals. The boy became interested in chess at the age of five. At 16, he received the title of international master, and at 18, having won the junior world championship, he became a grandmaster - a fantastic achievement at the time, Spassky became the first Soviet citizen to receive the crown so early.
In the same year of 1955, Boris made a brilliant debut at the Soviet Union Championship. Then he shared third place with Mikhail Botvinnik (the reigning champion) and Tigran Petrosian. Thus, he received a ticket to the interzonal selection. Having passed this stage, Spassky received an invitation to the Candidates Tournament. At that time, he was only 19 years old.
In the spring of 1960, at a tournament in Mar del Plata, Spassky played his first game with Bobby Fischer. The meeting took place in the second round and ended with a victory for the Soviet grandmaster.
In 1969, Boris Spassky defeated Tigran Petrosian in a duel in Moscow and became the tenth world champion. In 1972, in Reykjavik, he lost the chess crown to American Robert Fischer.
In 1976, the chess player emigrated to France, marrying an employee of the French embassy in Moscow. In 1984 and 1986, he led the French team at the Chess Olympiads. In the 1990s, Spassky practically stopped playing in major tournaments. In 2012, he returned to Russia.
In the same year of 1955, Boris made a brilliant debut at the Soviet Union Championship. Then he shared third place with Mikhail Botvinnik (the reigning champion) and Tigran Petrosian. Thus, he received a ticket to the interzonal selection. Having passed this stage, Spassky received an invitation to the Candidates Tournament. At that time, he was only 19 years old.
In the spring of 1960, at a tournament in Mar del Plata, Spassky played his first game with Bobby Fischer. The meeting took place in the second round and ended with a victory for the Soviet grandmaster.
In 1969, Boris Spassky defeated Tigran Petrosian in a duel in Moscow and became the tenth world champion. In 1972, in Reykjavik, he lost the chess crown to American Robert Fischer.
In 1976, the chess player emigrated to France, marrying an employee of the French embassy in Moscow. In 1984 and 1986, he led the French team at the Chess Olympiads. In the 1990s, Spassky practically stopped playing in major tournaments. In 2012, he returned to Russia.
