The nine time country champion and several time Candidate Jan Timman, who was the only western player that regularly outsmarted the Russians including the ruling world champion Anatoli Karpov. He was known as "The best of the West" in the 70's/80's period. Despite that he fought for the world chess crown as late as in 1993, losing to Karpov. Timman is known for his understanding and sense for initiative. Previous year he won the Sigeman tournament in Malmo, Sweden.