Background:

Born in Leningrad in 1937. Spassky became a chess grandmaster at 18 and won the world title in 1969. He held the title for three years until he lost the match with Fischer 12.5 games to 8.5.

Why is he in Ireland?

Spassky was appointed honorary president of the Kilkenny Chess Club in 1992. He has returned to host the Norkom European Chess Masters in the city this weekend.

Famous quote:

After the break-up of Spassky's first marriage in 1961 he was quoted as saying, "We were like bishops of opposite colour."