Kasparov Undone

The 1983 qualifying cycle to determine a challenger for Anatoly Karpov was filled with chess legends both past and future.  In the quarterfinal round, up and coming Russian player Garry Kasparov faced off against fellow Russian, Alexander Beliavsky.  With Kasparov ahead by a full point, Beliavsky turned out a masterpiece in game 4 of their match.  A pawn sacrifice on move 13 exposes black’s vulnerable kingside in the Nimzo-Indian defense. 

Kasparov would go on to win the match by a score of 6.0-3.0 and eventually earn the right to face Karpov.  Beliavsky would play board 6 for Russia in the 1984 USSR vs World match the following year, scoring an impressive 3.5 out of 4.0.

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