11.05.2018

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov sends condolences to Evgeni Vasiukov’s family

On 10 May, at the age of 85, the Soviet and Russian chess player, grandmaster, chess theorist, chairman of the veterans committee of the Russian Chess Federation, editor of the chess department of Vechernyaya Moskva newspaper Evgeni Vasiukov died.

The Grandmaster was the six-time champion of Moscow. As a member of the USSR student team, he was the winner of 1955 and 1956 World Chess Olympiads and he also won an international tournament in the Philippines.

On the death of a brilliant chess player, FIDE President sent his condolences to Yevgeny Vasiukov’s family:

"I express my deep condolences to the relatives, friends and colleagues on the death of the outstanding Russian Grandmaster, Chairman of the Veterans Commission of the Russian Chess Federation Evgeni Andreevich Vasiukov.
This is a great irretrievable loss not only for the country but for me as well. It's hard to cope with such a loss. Evgeni Andreevich was a creative person, a professional of high class, who loved his work and who worked with full dedication for the benefit of chess. He made a great contribution to the promotion of the ancient game not only in Russia but also abroad.
With his direct participation, dozens of tournaments were held every year and hundreds of players took part in them. Evgeni Vasiukov developed a system of handicap-tournaments, which is still very popular.
He was a successful sports reporter and a co-author of my book "Paris - Elista - Yerevan". Evgeni Andreevich was a wonderful coach and sports commentator of the highest level competitions, including matches for the world championship.
As the head of the Moscow and Russia veteran teams, he more than once became the winner both as a team member and in the personal championship.
He will always remain in our memory and hearts as the personification and symbol of the highest style, vital wisdom, great talent and brilliant professionalism."