
New In Chess Podcast
#65. Jan Timman Remembers The Late Boris Spassky And Fridrik Olafsson
This week's episode of the New In Chess Podcast features an interview with Dutch grandmaster Jan Timman.
A living chess legend, "The Best of the West" needs no introduction. As one of the world's leading players during the late Soviet era, Jan played and befriended a number of legendary players. Today's conversation centres specifically on two of his late colleagues, both of whom passed away recently: the former World Champion, Boris Spassky, and the father of Icelandic chess, Fridrik Olafsson. Like last time, Jan was kind enough to invite us to his home in Arnhem, Netherlands to conduct the interview.
Interviewed by Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam in his own chess library, old chess books and materials scattered around the area, Jan fondly rememers the lives and careers of his two late friends.
0:00 – Intro
1:20 – Jan’s first meeting with Boris Spassky
4:05 – Jan’s assessment of Spassky as a person
5:55 – Spassky’s interest in Russian politics and history
8:30 – Spassky’s relationship with Fischer
14:40 – When Spassky was the best player in the world
19:28 – When Spassky fell ill during a match
22:50 – AD BREAK
23:47 – The rivalry with Korchnoi
27:33 – Spassky’s life in the aftermath of the Fischer match
30:52 – Spassky’s game against Kasparov at Linnares 1988
34:05 – The chaotic last years of Spassky’s life
37:38 – Jan’s first meeting with Fridrik Olafsson
43:45 – How strong was Olafsson?
45:46 – Olafsson’s relationship with Fischer
48:30 – Jan tells a drinking story with Fridrik Olafsson
51:24 – AD BREAK
52:03 – Olafsson’s attitude and position within Icelandic society