Michael John Basman was an English chess player and author.
12 Facts About Michael Basman
1.
2.
Michael Basman was awarded the title of International Master in 1980.
3.
Once described by Murray Chandler as "the most bizarre player in the universe", Basman was well known for employing unorthodox openings.
4.
Michael Basman used the Grob to defeat John Nunn in 1978 and the Borg Defence to defeat Jon Speelman in 1980.
5.
Michael Basman played board one, ahead of John Nunn and Jon Speelman.
6.
In 1996, Michael Basman created the UK Chess Challenge, a tournament for juniors of all standards and ages progressing over four stages, now advertised as the biggest chess tournament in the world.
7.
John Michael Basman had shortened the family name from Basmadjian after arriving in England.
8.
Michael Basman was declared bankrupt the following year and lost control of the UK Chess Challenge.
9.
Michael Basman stood as an independent candidate in the constituency of Kingston and Surbiton in the 2017 general election.
10.
Michael Basman's manifesto was described by Raymond Keene as "a curious blend of selective support for Jeremy Corbyn-style intervention combined with extreme libertarianism".
11.
Michael Basman finished last of seven candidates, with 100 votes.
12.
Michael Basman died in Carshalton on 26 October 2022, at the age of 76, from pancreatic cancer.