Svetozar Gligoric 1923-2012

Svetozar Gligoric has died in his home city of Belgrade at the age of 89 as a result of a stroke.

Born Belgrade February 2nd 1923 died 13:30pm 14th August 2012. Gligoric was a three time World Championship Candidate in 1953, 1959 and 1968 but did find these events rather tough going. His professional career was delayed by the war but he became an IM in 1950, GM in 1951. A 12 time national champion he won many international tournaments remaining competitive into the early 1980s where he met Kasparov. His last published chess was a two game USSR vs Yugoslavia match in Moscow 2007 where he lost 1.5-0.5 vs Korchnoi. He won 13 medals in the Chess Olympiad for Yugoslavia - two gold, six silver and five bronze. He was a journalist who wrote a widely translated book on the Fischer-Spassky Match of 1972. He also had a key role in the 1992 rematch.

Gligoric was widely respected for his experience and liked. He was responsible for many new opening ideas, especially in his favourite openings the King's Indian, Ruy Lopez and Nimzo Indian. He also had interests in music releasing a CD of his songs only last year.

Gligoric Wikipeda entry - Serbian newspaper Politika on Gligoric with wonderful late photo. Personal condolences can be sent to Sundaciceva 10, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia or via email to Sinisa Joksic ([email protected]).

Obituary from Mark Crowther - Tuesday 14th August 2012 The Week In Chess.

He played in the 1963 US Open after playing in the first Piatigorsky Cup tournament earlier in Los Angeles. He scored 10.5/13 finishing tied for third.
-Walter Brown, USCF OTB Associate

Svetozar Gligoric may you rest in peace.