Maia Chiburdanidze is one of the most successful female chess players in history, holding the women's world championship title between 1978 and 1991.

Maia represented the USSR and now Georgia with distinction in many chess Olympiads, and in 1984 was awarded the title of Grandmaster.

Still a force to be reckoned with, Maia competes at the top of women's chess and also in mixed tournaments.

She is also one the few players that have had the honour of having their picture used on commemorative postage stamps.

Happy birthday Maia Chiburdanidze!