Boris Spassky, the Soviet chess champion who famously lost to Bobby Fischer in the 1972 'Match of the Century', died aged 88 in Moscow. The International Chess Federation hailed him as one of the greatest players, highlighting his profound impact on chess. The match against Fischer, played amidst Cold War tensions, was a landmark event, marking Fischer as the first American world champion. Spassky later emigrated to France and was known for his adaptive play style, excelling in complex middlegame positions. He maintained a legacy of mentorship among younger players.
Garry Kasparov noted that Spassky was never above befriending and mentoring the next generation, especially those who, like him, didn't fit comfortably into the Soviet machine.
The chess federation highlighted Spassky's match with Fischer as one of the most iconic in chess history, showcasing the Cold War tensions.
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