Chess Legend Boris Spassky, Who Lost Title to Bobby Fischer in 1972, Dies at 88

Soviet-era world chess champion Boris Spassky, who famously lost his title to American Bobby Fischer in a historic 1972 match that symbolized Cold War tensions, has passed away at the age of 88 in Moscow. The International Chess Federation confirmed his death, though no cause was given.

Spassky was hailed as “one of the greatest players of all time” by the chess community, leaving an indelible mark on the game. The Chess Federation of Russia mourned his loss, noting that generations of players had learned from his matches.

Born in Leningrad in 1937, Spassky showed exceptional talent from a young age, becoming the youngest grandmaster in history at 18. He rose to prominence in the chess world, eventually defeating Tigran Petrosian in 1969 to claim the world title.

However, his most famous match came in 1972 against Bobby Fischer, a showdown that captivated the world and ended with Fischer dethroning Spassky. Despite the loss, Spassky expressed relief at being freed from the “colossal responsibility” of being world champion.

Following his defeat, Spassky’s life took a tumultuous turn, marked by periods of obscurity and personal challenges. He eventually moved to France in 1976 and obtained French citizenship in 1978. It wasn’t until 1992 that he resurfaced to play an unofficial rematch against Fischer in Yugoslavia.

Spassky’s legacy extends beyond the chessboard, with his iconic duel against Fischer inspiring books, documentaries, and even the popular Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit.” Despite the ups and downs in his life, Spassky’s contributions to the game of chess will be remembered for generations to come.