The World Chess Championship 1958 was held in Moscow from March 4 to May 9. Mikhail Botvinnik reclaimed the World Chess Championship title in a rematch against Vasily Smyslov, representing the Soviet Union. Botvinnik started the match strongly with three consecutive wins and maintained his lead despite a dramatic time forfeit in game 15. The 23-game match ended with Botvinnik scoring 12.5 points, securing the title under FIDE rules. This match also marked the first successful use of the rematch clause, a rule granting the former champion an immediate opportunity to reclaim the title after losing it, a pivotal element of the Botvinnik era. This marked Botvinnik’s return as champion, following his loss to Smyslov in the 1957 match.
