Wassily Smyslov (1921, *)
Smyslov
was born in Moscow on March 24, 1921. His father was an engineer that was
very interested in music and chess. Smyslov was educated, in both chess and
music, in a pioneer house in Moscow. He was a good singer and known in the
chess world because of his voice. He finished his studies at a flight institute
in Moscow.
Smyslov was taught chess by his father when he was 4 years old. In 1938, he won for the first time, the Russian master title. He fought 4 times for the world master title against Botwinnik 1948 through 1958. In 1948, he received second place after Botvinnik in the tournament for the successor of Aljechin. In 1954 the match against Botvinnik ended with a draw with 12:12 points. Botvinnik kept his title. Smyslov won the title with 6:3 points in 1957. One year later there was the rematch that could be demanded by the ex - world champion. Botvinnik won this rematch with 7:5 points with 11 draws. In 1991, Smyslov became the first senior world champion of the FIDE. He had the reputation of "the best tournament player of all time".