In November of 2003 GM Fridrik Olafsson defeated GM
Bent Larsen in an 8 game rapid match. This was a rematch from their
1956 encounter which Larson had won 4.5 -3.5. This time Olafsson got
his revenge and won
5-3. Bent Larson was a top western player in the 1970's. He was
first board ahead of Bobby Fischer during the famous USSR vs. the World
match in 1970. Bent won his board against Spassky and Stein by a score of
2.5 - 1.5. Bent Larsen was a four time candidate for the world
championship. He lost to Bobby Fischer in
the 1971 semifinal candidate match by a score of 6 -0.
Fridrik Olafsson is an Icelandic GM, who qualified for
the 1959 candidates tournament. He was on the 1970 World's team. He was
the 1st substitute. He lost his only encounter to former World Champion
Vassily Smyslov.
Olafsson won the following tournaments
*) 1972 Reykjavik Tournament, shared
first with Hort and Gheorghui
*) 1976 Wijk aan Zee shared first with
Ljubojevic
*) !976 Reykjavik Tournament shared first with
Timman
He was FIDE President from 1978 - 1982
I enjoy these matches between players from the past. I liken
these events to the senior tennis tour. I still enjoy seeing McEnroe take
on Borg or Connors. I think chess needs to do more of these kind of
events. This will allow chess fans to connect with the great players of
the past, so we can understand the present and guide the future.
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