Let's make this birthday one to remember.

76 years old (Born on March 12, 1949)

Happy Birthday, Yuri Balashov! You're truly Lithuania’s chess legend, whose moves still have opponents nervously checking their openings and perhaps double-checking under the bed before games. From brilliant victories that had your rivals questioning reality, to elegant checkmates that made even the pieces applaud—you’ve shown everyone how chess should really be played.

Your timeless mastery reminds us all: age is just a number—unless you’re counting pawns you've captured or Grandmasters you've outfoxed lately. May this birthday find you celebrating with fewer "checks," plenty of mates (the friendly kind!), and laughter louder than opponents realizing they're trapped again. Cheers!