Tigran Petrosian

Tigran Vartanovich Petrosian (June 17, 1929 - 1984) was a chess player. He was born in the city of T'bilisi[?], Georgia, USSR and died in the Russian capital, Moscow.

In 1953 he placed 5th in the Zurich Candidate's chess tournament. In 1963 Tigran Petrosian defeated Mikhail Botvinnik 12.5 - 9.5 to become world chess champion.

Botvinnik did not excercise his right to a rematch the following year, and Petrosian did not defend his title until 1966, when Boris Spassky challenged Tigran and was defeated 12.5-11.5. In 1969 Petrosian was beaten by Spassky by the score of 12.5-10.5.