Jan Timman Dutch chess player Date of Birth: 14.12.1951 Country: Netherlands

Biography of Jan Timman

Jan Timman (full name Jan Hendrik Timman) was born on December 14, 1951, in Amsterdam. From an early age, he demonstrated a talent for mathematics and quickly excelled in chess. In 1967, Jan participated in a tournament in Jerusalem and stood out in the youth championship. He also took part in the World Junior Championship, where he achieved third place.

In 1971, Jan Timman earned the title of International Master in chess, and three years later, he became a Grandmaster, being recognized as the third most prominent player after Max Euwe and Jan Hein Donner. In 1982, Timman reached second place in the world rankings, just behind Anatoly Karpov.

The 1980s were a significant period in Jan's chess career, as he achieved numerous victories, including winning the Amsterdam IBM tournament in 1981, the Wijk aan Zee tournament in 1981 and 1985, the Linares tournament in 1988, and others. In 1990, he defeated many strong chess players but suffered a loss in a match against Anatoly Karpov. Over the years, Timman continued to excel, winning many tournaments and facing only one defeat to Nigel Short.

Jan Timman represented the Netherlands in 13 Chess Olympiads, from 1972 to 2004. In 1976, he was awarded a gold medal. In the 2000s, Timman remained active in chess competitions, participating in tournaments in Reykjavik and Amsterdam in 2004, Gothenburg in the following year, and matches in Sweden and London the year after.

Throughout his career, Jan Timman was known for his engaging and distinctive playing style. English Grandmaster and writer Raymond Keene described it as "combative, reminiscent of the great chess player Emanuel Lasker."

Jan Timman was married twice and has a son and a daughter from his first marriage.