"Zappas, Viron"

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Viron Zappas: A Cypriot and Greek Chess Player and Composer

Viron Zappas was born in Athens, Greece, on December 6, 1927. He later moved to Cyprus in the early 1960s, where he worked as a school teacher before returning to Greece in 1970. Zappas graduated from the University of Economics and Business in Athens and later earned his degree from the London School of Economics.

Zappas's interest in chess began at the age of 14, when he learned the game from his older brother. He went on to become a skilled player, winning the championship of Cyprus in 1963 and 1965. As part of the Cyprus national team, Zappas participated in the 1964 Chess Olympiad, where he played nine games with three wins, five losses, and one draw.

However, it was not until his work on chess composition that Zappas truly made a name for himself. He began composing mat tasks in three moves and later developed two-move compositions. With the help of prominent figures such as Spyros Bikos, Ioannis Koutalidis, and Basil Lyris, Zappas became one of the leading composers of his time.

In 1988, Zappas was appointed International Judge of Composition by the PCCC (Permanent Commission on Chess Composition), a position he held until his retirement. He also founded The Greek Association for Chess Composition with the support of the Greek Chess Federation. In recognition of his achievements in chess composition, Zappas received numerous awards and prizes.

One notable achievement is that Zappas was the first Greek to receive the title of Great Master of Composition in 1993. This honor marked a significant milestone in his career as a composer. Throughout his life, Zappas continued to contribute to the world of chess composition, leaving behind an impressive legacy of over 500 tasks.

Zappas's contributions to chess composition extend beyond his own work. He played a crucial role in ensuring that Greece joined the PCCC and served as a delegate for 25 years. His dedication to promoting chess composition earned him honorary membership with the organization in 2006.

Sadly, Viron Zappas passed away on January 5, 2008, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of chess composition.