Karpov KO'd by Taimanov's O'Kelly

Mark Evgenievich Taimanov was born on February 7, 1926 in Kharkiv. He became a grandmaster in 1952 and was one of the world's top players for years. His record of playing in 23 USSR championships was matched only by Efim Geller. He tied for first twice. In 1952, he lost the playoff to world champion Mikhail Botvinnik. In 1956, he won the playoff against Yuri Averbakh and Boris Spassky, the future world champion. He is better known today for losing 6-0 to Bobby Fischer in their 1971 candidates match than he is for having defeated every world champion from Botvinnik through Karpov, except for Fischer. Not many players have scored wins against six world champions. However, Taimanov is famed for having his name used on several opening variations. In the following game, Taimanov plays the black pieces against Karpov at a time when Karpov was the world champion and Taimanov, who was 25 years older, was past his peak.