A Dutchman, he was considered the best player outside the Soviet Union for two decades, although he described himself as “lazy” and was open about using alcohol and drugs early on.

It was nostalgic and entertaining as Viswanathan Anand lost 11-13 to Garry Kasparov in an exhibition event (Clutch Chess: The Legends) at St Louis. It was a one-sided affair as the Russian GM eased ...