Friday Feature: Boris Spassky

Boris Spassky

Boris Vasilievich Spassky is a Russian chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion. He was born on January 30, 1937 in Leningrad, which is now known as Saint Petersburg, Russia. Spassky learned to play chess at a young age and quickly became known as a prodigy in the chess world.

Spassky's career as a professional chess player began in the 1950s and he quickly rose to prominence, becoming a grandmaster in 1956. In 1969, he defeated Tigran Petrosian to become the World Chess Champion. Spassky's victory was seen as a major milestone in the Cold War, as he was the first Soviet player to win the title since the World Chess Championship began in 1886.

During his time as World Chess Champion, Spassky faced off against several top players, including Bobby Fischer, the American grandmaster who is widely considered one of the greatest chess players of all time. In 1972, Fischer and Spassky faced off in a highly publicized match known as the "Match of the Century." The match was held in Reykjavik, Iceland and was watched by millions of people around the world. Despite being the reigning World Champion, Spassky ultimately lost to Fischer in what is considered one of the most memorable chess matches of all time.

After losing the World Championship, Spassky continued to play chess professionally and had a number of successful tournament victories. He also played in several international team events, representing the Soviet Union and later Russia. In addition to his success as a chess player, Spassky also served as a chess coach and commentator, and has been inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame.