Person of day   -  17 DECEMBER 2023

ALEXANDER BELIAVSKY

ALEXANDER BELIAVSKY

His name became known in the chess world in 1973, when the 20-year-old master from Lvov became the third representative of the USSR (after Boris Spassky and Anatoly Karpov) to win the junior world championship. That same year, Beliavsky made his debut in the highest league of the Soviet championship, but it was not a particularly successful one. But only one year later, he split 1st-22nd places with Mikhail Tal in another Soviet championship. An amazing jump! Beliavsky would manage to win three more national championships, in 1980, 1987 and 1990.

A graduate of Lvov’s famous Kart school, Beliasvky shone in the 1980s. In 1982, he successfully took part in the inter-zonal tournament in Moscow, coming second, after Garry Kasparov. In the quarter-finals of the candidates’ matches, the draw pitted him against the future world champion. Beliavsky lost to Kasparov 3:6. “Beliavsky’s greatest qualities- his determination and remarkable efficiency at the chess table- make his a very dangerous opponent” Kasparov noted.

In 1982 and 1984, as a member of the Soviet national team, Beliavsky became the winner of chess Olympiads. In the 1984 match between USSR and “Rest of the World”, he showed the best result in the team: 3,5 points out of 4. This grandmaster was always notable due to his maximalism, unique adherence to principles, belief in his own strength and bravery in defending his own concepts. There qualities formed the basis for a surprisingly long and productive career which continues to this day. 

Beliasvky successfully participated in multiple international competitions. He was the winner of tournaments in Bucharest, Baden-Baden, Tilburg, Sarajevo, Wijk aan Zee (twice), London, Sochi, Amsterdam, Belgrade and other cities. At the present time, Alexander Genrikhovich lives in Slovenia and plays for that country’s national team.