grandmaster
and former World Champion
. He was the official world champion from 1975 to 1985 when he was defeated by Garry Kasparov
. He played three matches against Kasparov for the title from 1986 to 1990, before becoming FIDE World Champion once again after Kasparov broke away from FIDE in 1993. He held the title until 1999, when he resigned his title in protest against FIDE's new world championship rules.
Style? I have no style.
I like 1.e4 very much but my results with 1.d4 are better.
To be champion requires more than simply being a strong player; one has to be a strong human being as well.
Chess is my life, but my life is not chess.
Those so-called K-K matches for the title were the biggest misery I had in my life - especially the disappointment of losing in Seville. But, you know, despite our history, there’s still a lot of fight in our battles - it’s still a big fight in the eyes of the media.
For them I will always be ready. (on getting revenge against players who've beaten him)