Match of the century recalled as chess world mourns Spassky’s passing

Boris Spassky (Chessbase photo)
Boris Spassky (Chessbase photo)

Grandmaster and the tenth world chess champion (1969-1972 ) Boris Spassky of Russia died two Thursdays ago. He was 88. Spassky lost his world championship title in 1972 to America’s Bobby Fischer, in a match styled “Match of the Century.”

Arkady Dvorkovich, president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) stated:

“He was not only one of the greatest players of the Soviet era and the world, but also a true gentleman. His contributions to chess will never be forgotten.”