Boris Spassky was born on January 30, 1937 in Leningrad which is now St. Petersburg, Russia. At the age of 18, he won the World Junior Championship in Belgium. In the same year, he became the youngest Grandmaster in the world.

In 1966, he challenged Tigran Petrosian to the World Championship crown. He lost by the narrowest margin. In 1969, he challenged Petrosian again and became the 10th World Champion. He then lost his crown to Bobby Fischer in 1972 in the match of the century.

I personally have many fond memories of Boris Spassky. He has always been very kind and supportive of me. I wrote a large section about my experience with Boris in my book Breaking Through.

Please join me in wishing Boris a magnificent 70th birthday!

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Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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