Glenn Curtis Flear is a renowned British chess Grandmaster. Born on 12 February 1959, Flear has had an illustrious career in chess. Although born in Leicester, Flear currently resides in Montpellier, France.
Flear began his chess career early and received the International Master title in 1983. His significant break came in 1986 when he won the GLC Chess Challenge, considered one of the strongest open tournaments ever held in the United Kingdom. He was awarded the Grandmaster title later that year.
Flear is well known for his exploits in the chess world. He has had a fruitful career as a player, coach, and author. He has won several prestigious tournaments, including the Hawaii International chess festival in 1994, the Bunratty Masters tournament in 1999, 2000, and 2005. Flear also won the French Chess Championship in 2007.
Additionally, he represented England four times at the Chess Olympiad, contributing to team successes with his excellent performances, including a bronze medal finish in 1984.
Flear is married to Christine Leroy, who is also a chess player. The couple have written several chess books together. He is noted for his comprehensive understanding of complex endgame positions and provides insightful commentaries during live games.
Though a respected figure for his playing and coaching, Flear has also made significant contributions to chess literature. He has authored a number of books on chess openings and other technical aspects of the game such as 'Practical Chess Endings', 'The...a6 Slav', 'Tactimania', and 'The Ruy Lopez: Move by Move'. Each of these works has been highly regarded within the chess community.
Overall, Glenn C. Flear has made an indelible impact on the chess world through his performances, coaching, and literature.