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Boris Spassky

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Chess Champ

The Resume

    (January 30, 1937- )
    Born in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
    World Chess Champion (1968-72)
    Lost the title to Bobby Fischer in the 'Match of the Century' (July 11-August 31, 1972)
    Became a French citizen (1978)

Why he might be annoying:

    His title match against Fischer ended with Spassky resigning an adjourned game via telephone.
    Chess coach Bruce Pandolfini said, 'After that loss, he was never the same.'
    Twenty years later, he and Fischer held a rematch in Yugoslavia, despite a UN ban on sporting events in that country.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He first learned chess at age five on a train evacuating civilians from Leningrad during World War II.
    The Kronsteen v McAdams chess game featured in the James Bond film 'From Russia With Love' uses the moves from Spassky's victory over David Bronstein.
    Chess Life editor Larry Parr said, 'He can act the clown while maintaining a dignified reserve - a gift unique among the humorless lot in the chess world.'
    Asked if he preferred chess or sex, he reportedly replied, 'It depends on the position.'

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 5 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 12 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 6 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 4 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 17 Votes: 47.06% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 11 Votes: 54.55% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 13 Votes: 61.54% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 13 Votes: 61.54% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 13 Votes: 84.62% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 16 Votes: 37.50% Annoying