Krum Georgiev and Constantin Ionescu, R.I.P.
Both Grandmasters passed away July 31.
Bulgarian GM Krum Georgiev (1958-2024) was the “other” K. Georgiev (not to be confused with his erstwhile countryman Kiril Georgiev, once even in the top 10), but he was of course a fine player in his own right. His most notable success was a great win over one Garry Kasparov; an impressive wire-to-wire win in which Georgiev tactically outplayed the legend in the opening and carried his advantage through to the end.
Constantin Ionescu (also 1958-2024) was an eight-time Romanian champion who represented his country in many Olympics and other prestigious team championships, and while he didn’t have a signature win to compare with Georgiev’s win over Kasparov he won some impressive games as well. I found a sparkling miniature over Vladimir Malaniuk in the latter’s beloved Dutch; you can replay that game and the Georgiev game as well, with my comments to each, here.
Rest in peace.
I agree about the Dutch. It's seems to me like the Bird opening for Black. You might not lose as Black, but to win or draw are going to really work hard or having an opponent unprepared.