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. Interviewed by Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam in his own chess library, old chess books and paraphernilia scattered around the area, Jan fondly rememers the lives and careers of his two late friends. 0:00 – Intro1:20 – Jan’s first meeting with Boris Spassky 4:05 – Jan’s assessment of Spassky as a person5:55 – Spassky’s interest in Russian politics and history8:30 – Spassky’s relationship with Fischer14:40 – When Spassky was the best player in the world19:28 – When Spassky fell ill during a match 22:50 – AD BREAK 23:47 – The rivalry with Korchnoi27:33 – Spassky’s life in the aftermath of the Fischer match30:52 – 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

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