World’s Oldest Chess Grand Master Turns 100!
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The oldest alive chess Grand Master has turned 100 today. It has been a journey of a lifetime for the Soviet Grand Master Yuri Averbakh, who has seen generations of chess players, along with every minute change in the game of chess. Averbakh was born a century ago, and he has witnessed the game more than any other chess player in history.
The world's oldest living grandmaster, Yuri Averbakh, a former USSR champion (1954) and Candidate (1953), but also renowned chess arbiter, author and historian, celebrates his centennial today – yes, he is now 100 years old! Congratulations! 💯 🎂 pic.twitter.com/i7E7b4XA4w
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) February 8, 2022
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The legend is not just strong on the chessboard, but he would probably be the healthiest 100-year-old ever who defeated Covid-19 last summer in June and came back as strong as ever. In an interview with chess.com, he said, “I’m doing OK now. Taking into account how far I am from my youth, I can say that I’m doing well.”
Yuri Averbakh still plays chess
His love for the game could be imagined by the fact that he still likes to analyze end games just to keep his mind sharp. Obviously, due to his age, the soviet Grand Master can’t indulge in the game completely, but he often shares ideas with his colleagues and other chess players around him.
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He has given enough to the game of chess and still values it more than anything. Amongst the current players, Yuri Averbakh is very fond of the Russian Grand Master, Ian Nepomniachtchi. He said, “I was very happy when he became the world championship candidate. It is a pity that he did not have enough stamina in the second half of the world championship match. However, I believe that his talent will score him more brilliant wins.”
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An outstanding career
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Yuri became a Grand Master in 1952. In 1953, he took part in one of the toughest tournaments in chess history; the Candidates Tournament at Zurich. And in 1954, he won the Soviet chess championship.
The Soviet Grand Master has led a successful chess career, given that he played during the time of chess legends like Mikhail Tal, Bobby Fischer, Svetozar Gligoric, and Mikhail Botvinnik.
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After retiring from professional chess at 40, Yuri indulged himself in coaching and journalism. He was a very hardworking man who contributed to the game in every way he could; First as a player, then as a coach, a journalist, and now as a living epitome of the greatness this game carries.
We wish the legend a very happy birthday and hope he remains as lively as ever.
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