Hero of the Pre-War Olympiads

More about the book

Our short life together was fun, fascinating, and happy. I accompanied my husband to chess tournaments, traveled extensively, and met many interesting people, including Alekhine, Euwe, Flohr, Capablanca, and Keres. These encounters were unforgettable, and we formed friendships with several of them. However, as I reflect on my family, which was ruthlessly obliterated, old wounds reopen. This narrative explores the enigmatic and tragic figure of Latvian grandmaster Vladimirs Petrovs (1908–1943), whose name was erased from chess literature for decades. Despite defeating renowned players like Alekhine, Fine, and Reshevsky, and achieving notable successes, including a joint first at the Kemeri 1937 tournament, Petrovs remains largely unknown. According to Chessmetrics, he was ranked no. 14 in the world in November 1938, with a remarkable performance rating of 2709 at Kemeri. The first part of the book features an analysis of Petrovs’ career through 52 games by grandmaster and historian Dmitry Kryakvin, showcasing matches against pre-war chess luminaries. The second part is a poignant account by Petrovs’ widow, Galina Petrova-Matisa, detailing her husband’s tragic fate and her quest for the truth, alongside memories of their brief yet blissful family life, enriched by encounters with the world’s strongest chess players. The work is complemented by rare family and tournament photos.