As the world chess championship begins, I would like to pay tribute to your chess correspondent, Leonard Barden, who has written a weekly column for the Guardian since 1955 (and must be your longest-serving columnist). I have been reading this since the early 1960s. Even in his 90s, Mr Barden keeps up with the latest developments and writes fresh and lively columns. In the 60s, keen schoolboys wanting the latest on Petrosian’s or Spassky’s world championship attempts could pore over the moves in the Guardian, mostly on the day after each game. The latest world championship games will, of course, be broadcast live on the internet – and I look forward to reading Mr Barden’s commentary on them in the weeks ahead.
Steven Lorber
London
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