Legendary Chess Champion Boris Spassky Dies at 88

Boris Spassky, the tenth World Chess Champion, has passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by the Russian Chess Federation. Spassky, born in 1937 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), became champion in 1969 by defeating Tigran Petrosian but is most renowned for his 1972 match against American Bobby Fischer, dubbed the 'Match of the Century.' His loss to Fischer not only cost him the title but also made him a prominent figure in the broader cultural landscape of the Cold War era. After emigrating to France in 1976, he returned to Russia in 2012, dedicating his later years to promoting chess. Tributes from the chess community highlight his impact on generations of players and his legacy in the sport. Spassky's style was characterized by both aggressive tactics and solid defense, contributing to his reputation as one of the game's greats.