Russian chess grandmaster Boris Spassky, the 10th World Chess Champion and one of the sport’s most iconic figures, has passed away at the age of 88, International Chess Federation (FIDE) general director Emil Sutovsky confirmed on Thursday.
Spassky, who held the world championship title from 1969 to 1972, is best remembered for his historic clash against American chess legend Bobby Fischer in the 1972 “Match of the Century” in Reykjavik, Iceland. The highly publicized duel, which unfolded at the height of the Cold War, ended with Spassky losing 12.5-8.5 despite an early lead. His sportsmanship during the match was widely praised, including a moment when he applauded Fischer after losing the sixth game.
A Chess Legend and a Sportsman
Anatoly Karpov, the 12th World Chess Champion who defeated Spassky in the 1974 Candidates Tournament semi-finals, paid tribute to the late grandmaster.
“My idols in chess were José Capablanca and Boris Spassky. When I managed to beat Spassky, it was my greatest victory, and in a way, I defeated something inside me by overcoming my teacher,” Karpov told Russian media.
Russian Chess Federation President Andrei Filatov also mourned Spassky’s passing, calling it a “great loss” for the world of chess.
“Generations of chess players have studied and continue to study his games. He was a great personality,” Filatov said.
A Chess Career Spanning Decades
Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Spassky emerged as a chess prodigy and earned the grandmaster title in 1955. He won the World Chess Championship in 1969 by defeating Tigran Petrosian but lost it three years later to Fischer in one of the most famous matches in chess history.
In 1978, Spassky became a French citizen and represented France in three Chess Olympiads (1984, 1986, 1988). During the 1990s, he was often seen playing casual games in Paris’ Jardin du Luxembourg.
However, in the early 2000s, his health began to decline. In a mysterious turn of events, he disappeared from Paris in August 2012, only to resurface in Moscow two months later.
“It was my desire to return to Russia because my time in France had run its course. It was time to start a new stage,” Spassky said upon his return.
End of an Era
With his passing, Spassky was the oldest living world chess champion. His contributions to the game, both as a player and as a symbol of sportsmanship, leave an enduring legacy in the chess world.
Alexander Tkachev, executive director of the Russian Chess Federation, described him as a “brilliant storyteller” and someone who was deeply connected to the chess community.
“Boris Vasilevich lived in Moscow and remained in contact with those close to him. It was always fascinating to speak with him. His loss is deeply felt,” Tkachev said.
Sources By Agencies
