Career's End For Viktor Korchnoi?

The great Viktor Korchnoi is reported to be in such poor health after a recent stroke that he may have played his last competitive game of chess.

At 81 years of age the legendary Viktor Korchnoi is the oldest active Grandmaster on the chess circuit and still a fierce and successful competitor.  At the 2011 Gibraltar Festival he defeated the young star Fabiano Caruana, more than 60 years his junior!

Korchnoi was twice the challenger for the world chess championship, in 1978 and 1981, but missed out on the ultimate prize to bitter rival Anatoly Karpov.  The 1978 match was especially close, ending 6-5 after 32 thrilling games.

Chessbase reports that Korchnoi is now recovering at a Swiss clinic after suffering heart problems, and is unlikely to return to competitive chess.  If true, it is the end of an era and a memorable career.

Best wishes Viktor Lvovich for a strong recovery and better health in 2013!

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More great Korchnoi games here. Picture from the Tradewise Gibraltar Festival website.