MOSCOW — Boris Spassky, a legendary Soviet-era world chess champion who famously lost his title to American Bobby Fischer in a 1972 match that symbolized the Cold War rivalry, died in Moscow on Thursday at the age of 88. The International Chess Federation, the governing body of the game, announced his death without specifying the cause.
Spassky, once considered one of the greatest players of all time, left an indelible mark on chess, the federation stated. The 1972 match against Fischer, held in Reykjavik, Iceland, at the peak of the Cold War, was dubbed the “Match of the Century” and captivated the world.
The clash was historic, with Fischer, then 29 years old from Brooklyn, New York, securing the U.S. its first world chess title. Fischer, known for his temperament, passed away in 2008 and had relinquished his title by not defending it after his victory.
Garry Kasparov, a former world champion, praised Spassky, noting his openness to befriending and mentoring the next generation of players, particularly those who, like him, didn’t fit the Soviet mold. Spassky emigrated to France in 1976.
The chess federation celebrated Spassky’s match with Fischer as one of the most iconic in chess history. Svetozar Gligoric, a Yugoslav grandmaster, remarked that Spassky’s strength lay in his ability to adapt to his opponents’ styles, according to The Washington Post.
Spassky was regarded as “the first genuinely universal player,” exceling not in specific openings but in complex and dynamic middle game positions, the federation stated. At the time of their match, the Soviet Union had a long, unbroken streak of world chess championships.
Upon returning to the Soviet Union after his loss, Spassky faced a cold reception, becoming a national disappointment. He was not allowed to leave the country, and his second marriage ended. Despite this, Spassky reflected on the 1972 match, stating that he felt at home at the chessboard, where “our chess kingdom does not have borders,” as quoted by the World Chess Hall of Fame in 2022.
Source: https://time.com/7262631/boris-spassky-obituary-chess-champion-soviet-russia-tributes/
