Tigran Petrosian
(1929-1984)

The 9th world champion (1963-69), Petrosian ended the Botvinnik era, which had lasted 15 years. Petrosian defended his title successfully in 1966 (against Spassky) becoming the first titleholder since 1934 to do so. After losing the title to the same opponent, Petrosian continued playing in candidates’ cycles. On Soviet Olympiad teams, he lost only once, compiling an amazing record of +79 –1 =50. Petrosian seldom attacked directly, preferring slow, subtle maneuvering.