Boris Spassky, the legendary Soviet chess master, known for his pivotal role in the renowned “Match of the Century” against Bobby Fischer, has passed away at the age of 88 in Moscow. The International Chess Federation confirmed the news, though the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed. Spassky had been living with the aftermath of a major stroke since 2010, which left him confined to a wheelchair.
While Spassky’s career spanned many victories, he is most remembered for his 1972 defeat to Fischer. The historic match, overshadowed by Cold War tensions, placed Spassky in the role of the Soviet representative, while Fischer became a celebrated hero in the West. Despite the immense pressure, Spassky maintained his calm, earning admiration for both his skill and his dignified sportsmanship.
Spassky’s chess career was more than just his rivalry with Fischer. A versatile and tactical player, he became a grandmaster at the age of 18, and later claimed the World Chess Championship in 1969. Despite his loss to Fischer, he continued to perform at high levels, including a notable rematch with Fischer in 1992, which captivated the chess world.
His later life saw him living in France and eventually returning to Russia, where he lived until his passing. Spassky’s legacy as a strategic genius and a humble competitor will be forever remembered.
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