Korchnoi v Spassky Match

Over the holiday season, the two chess legends Boris Spassky and Viktor Korchnoi played an 8-game match in Kalmykia, Russia, as previewed in this news report.

While Korchnoi is still a very active player, Spassky is essentially retired from competitive play.

It was therefore no surprise when Korchnoi won the first game, but once Spassky got into his stride he fought back strongly, eventually winning game five to level the scores.

Spassky also held an advantage in game six, but slipped up in time trouble to allow Korchnoi to re-take the lead.  Undaunted, Spassky bounced back immediately in the next game to make the match all-square again, and the old foes quickly agreed a draw in the last game to share the spoils after an entertaining match.

All smiles at the end of the match for Spassky (left) and Korchnoi (right). Pic from the official site.