Gyula Sax (June 18,1951–Jan.25,2014)

Sad news.  This past Saturday the 62-year old Hungarian cbess star died of a heart attack.  Gyula Sax is no stranger to Canadian chess fans, having played in Canadian tournaments on numerous occasions, almost always winning or finishing in the top places.

Sax was awarded the IM title in 1972 and the GM title in 1974.  His lists of successes, both internationally and at home in Hungary, is legendary, being one of the strongest players of his generation.  Sax  was the Hungarian Chess Champion in 1976 and 1977 (jointly). In 1971-72, Sax was the European Junior Champion.  In 1978 he was member of the Olympiad winning team.  Sax also participated in the Candidates Tournament after qualifying at the Subotica Interzonal in 1987, and then qualified again in Manila 1990. 

1978 Olympiad winning team (Buenos Aires)  Left to right: Portish, Ribli,Sax, Adorjan, Csom, Vadasz.  Hungary’s success is considered one of the most surprising upsets of all time: they broke the Soviet domination in world team events for the first time since the second world war.