Boris Vasilievich Spassky, born on January 30, 1937, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia, is a Russian and former Soviet chess grandmaster renowned for his universal playing style and sportsmanship. He became the tenth World Chess Champion, holding the title from 1969 to 1972.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Boris Vasilievich Spassky
- Date of Birth: January 30, 1937
- Place of Birth: Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (present-day St. Petersburg, Russia)
- Nationality: Russian
- Education: Studied journalism at Leningrad State University
- Profession: Chess Grandmaster
Chess Career Highlights
- World Chess Champion:
- Defeated Tigran Petrosian in 1969 to become the tenth World Chess Champion.
- Lost the title to Bobby Fischer in the historic 1972 match, often referred to as the “Match of the Century.”
- Notable Achievements:
- Won the World Junior Chess Championship in 1955, earning the title of International Grandmaster the same year.
- Known for his versatile playing style, excelling in both tactical and positional aspects of the game.
- Defeated several top players, including Mikhail Tal, Paul Keres, and Viktor Korchnoi, during his career.
Career Statistics
- Total Games Played: Over 2,500 recorded games.
- Win Percentage: Approximately 52%.
- Draw Percentage: Around 40%.
- Loss Percentage: Approximately 8%.
- Notable Opponents: Tigran Petrosian, Bobby Fischer, Mikhail Tal, Viktor Korchnoi.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
- Net Worth:
- Exact figures are not publicly available.
- As a prominent figure in Soviet chess, Spassky received state support and stipends during his career.
- Lifestyle Highlights:
- Known for his sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, earning respect from peers and fans alike.
- After his championship years, Spassky continued to compete internationally and later settled in France.
- In his later years, he faced health challenges, including a stroke in 2010, but remained a revered figure in the chess community.
Legacy
Boris Spassky’s contributions to chess are significant, marked by his universal playing style and adaptability. His matches, especially the 1972 World Championship against Fischer, have been extensively studied and continue to inspire chess enthusiasts worldwide.
