David Markelovich Janowski

Suffering from a severe gambling addiction, Janowski lost his prize money from the 1901 Monte Carlo tournament in the first night of victory. Not wishing to repeat this mistake, David handed the winnings from his next victory to a friend for safe-keeping. Soon enough, the gambling urge struck again, and David requested his money back. Following Janowski's orders, the friend refused, and was later sued by the chess-master.

Janowski died penniless in a nursing home in Hyeres, France. A subscription was raised to prevent his being buried in a pauper's grave.

Birth and Death Dates:
June 7, 1868 - Jan. 15, 1927

Career Highlights:
Winner of the international tournament in Monte Carlo: 1901.

Origin:
b. Wolkowysk, Poland

Category:
Challenger