IM Lhamsuren Mjagmasuren (1938-2026)

[Matt Mackenzie]

One of Mongolia's strongest players for many years and a regular for them at Olympiads into the 1980s. Maybe best remembered as being at the wrong end of a Fischer brilliancy at the Sousse Interzonal in 1967 (so we must sadly cross yet another name off those living who played RJF)

[Nick Ivell]

Sad loss. Probably like most people, I know nothing about his chess apart from his loss to the great man - at least that game will be known for as long as chess is played.

[Matt Mackenzie]

Finished near the bottom of that event, but still beat GMs Bilek and Ivkov.

[Ian Thompson]

Obituary of the "Chief Geologist of Mongolia".

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Had never heard of him., though I can see he had an impressive career as a geologist and chess player. The Chessbase obituary states he was awarded a "FIDE stipend" from 2020.

Are these stipends like pensions and are they primarily for chess players who have fallen on hard times or are they more a form of recognition?

[Matt Mackenzie]

Had never heard of him

Slightly surprised that you have never come across the game referred to above, one of RJF's best known brilliancies.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

I have seen that motif, but don't recognise the game. I don't have a great memory for games that I have not played. Might be one thing I should have worked on more!

[Ian Thompson]

The Chessbase obituary states he was awarded a "FIDE stipend" from 2020.

Are these stipends like pensions and are they primarily for chess players who have fallen on hard times or are they more a form of recognition?

I assume they mean the FIDE veteran support program which is a one-off payment (so it's not a stipend).

[David Mabbs]

Oh dear - another of my chess contemporaries and opponents has died. The grim reaper is lurking.

I played Mjagmasuren sixty-six years ago (!) in Leningrad during the World Students' Chess Championship. Spassky was on board one for the USSR team, and William Lombardy was Board One for the USA team. Goodness, that dates me.

Mjagmasuren was a pleasant fellow. I can't pretend that our game was in the same league as Fischer's, but it was reasonably pretty, and I won in 26 moves. Anyone fanatical enough or curious enough to explore it will find it at https://www.rgs.saund.co.uk/britbase/pg ... iewer.html

My best wishes go to anyone who remembers me from years past - not least, Cerars Chess Club survivors.