According to his business page, Mr. Kouatly is the first Frenchman to earn the GM title—at least as a Frenchman. He was awarded the GM title in 1989. It is amazing now to think that France had few strong players before him.
In 1984, Merton College, one of 30+ colleges that comprise Oxford University, had me and William Watson as IMs (he is now a GM), Dugald Macpherson of FM strength, and Alastair Simpson about 2100 strength. I seriously suggested to the Fellows of Merton that our little college could challenge France to a 4-board match, and stand a decent chance of winning!
French GMI Bachar Kouatly.
Did he achieve the first hair transplant?
According to his business page, Mr. Kouatly is the first Frenchman to earn the GM title—at least as a Frenchman. He was awarded the GM title in 1989. It is amazing now to think that France had few strong players before him.
In 1984, Merton College, one of 30+ colleges that comprise Oxford University, had me and William Watson as IMs (he is now a GM), Dugald Macpherson of FM strength, and Alastair Simpson about 2100 strength. I seriously suggested to the Fellows of Merton that our little college could challenge France to a 4-board match, and stand a decent chance of winning!
Winner of the first Jay Leno look-alike contest.
It’s Boris Spassky. His best achievement was a pile of US dollars from moving pieces with Bob Fisher.