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Boris Spassky, the revered former world chess champion from the Soviet era, passed away in Moscow on Thursday at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by the International Chess Federation, although details regarding the cause were not disclosed.
The federation described Spassky as “one of the greatest players of all time,” noting his significant impact on the game of chess.
The Chess Federation of Russia expressed that his passing represents a “great loss to the country,” highlighting how generations of chess players have drawn inspiration from his matches.
Soviet grandmaster Anatoly Karpov, a prominent figure in the chess community, reflected on Spassky’s legacy, stating, “He was always one of my main idols,” in comments to the TASS state news agency.
Spassky is best remembered for his iconic duel with American chess prodigy Bobby Fischer in 1972, a match that transcended the realm of sports, symbolizing the intense rivalry between East and West during the Cold War. This contest has often been referred to as the “match of the century.”
Throughout his life, Spassky experienced a series of highs and lows, alternating between intense competition and periods of relative obscurity. Born in 1937 in Leningrad, now known as Saint Petersburg, he exhibited remarkable chess talent from an early age, becoming the youngest grandmaster and junior world champion at 18.
Spassky recounted learning chess in an orphanage at age five after his family escaped the Nazi siege of Leningrad during World War II. Post-war, his aggressive gameplay garnered attention, and with state support, he flourished under a dedicated coach.
In 1961, Spassky made a notable comeback by winning the USSR Championship, and in 1969 he captured the world title by defeating fellow countryman Tigran Petrosian. He once remarked, “I never set myself the goal of becoming world champion. Everything worked out by itself. I was progressing in leaps and bounds,” as he reflected on his journey in 2016.
Pressure of Great Expectations
However, his reign as world champion was brief, lasting only three years. The pivotal 1972 match against Fischer took place in Iceland, where the stakes were immense amid the geopolitical tension of the era. Spassky initially found success, but Fischer mounted a formidable comeback, ultimately securing his victory and ending the Soviet Union’s streak of world champions that had persisted since 1948.
Spassky later described the sting of his defeat, but also a sense of relief, stating, “You can’t imagine how relieved I was when Fischer took the title away from me. I freed myself from a very heavy burden and breathed freely.” The monumental chess duel has inspired countless books, documentaries, and films, including the popular Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit.”
Following his loss to Fischer, Spassky’s public presence diminished, and by 1976 he relocated to France after marrying a French woman of Russian descent. He gained French citizenship in 1978 and largely withdrew from competitive chess until an unofficial rematch against Fischer took place in 1992 in Yugoslavia.
In later years, Spassky faced health challenges, including two strokes, which prompted his return to Russia in 2012. During this time, he mentioned his determination to rebuild his life, saying, “I have to start over from scratch, but I’m not afraid.” In a poignant moment, he visited Fischer’s grave in Iceland shortly before Fischer’s death, inquiring whether a nearby burial spot was available for himself.
Spassky’s family informed the chess federation of his death, as confirmed by executive director Alexander Tkachev to the RIA Novosti news agency. His passing marks the end of an era for the chess community and a significant chapter in the evolution of the game.
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