In brief
Boris Spassky, the legendary chess champion who gained international fame after his historic loss to Bobby Fischer in the 1972 "Match of the Century," passed away on Thursday in Moscow at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by the International Chess Federation, although no cause was given. A long-term illness stemming from a stroke in 2010 had kept him wheelchair-bound. Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE president, praised Spassky as one of the greatest chess players of his era, noting that his legacy will endure.
Although Spassky achieved remarkable success as a chess player, the intense media focus on his rivalry with Fischer played out against the backdrop of the Cold War, often overshadowing his accomplishments. In a recent interview, his son Boris Jr. indicated that Spassky felt immense pressure during the match and remained dismissive of the political narratives crafted around it. The iconic match drew such interest that even two decades later, when a rematch was staged, it captured the world's attention despite both players being past their best.As the chess world mourns the loss of Spassky, his influence stretches beyond tournaments, leaving a lasting imprint on the game's history.
