Czech and Soviet Salo (Salomon Mikhailovich) Flohr was born on 21 November 1908 in Horodenka. Flohr took up residence in Prague where he played chess for stakes in cafés, thus establishing his reputation as a talented chess player. His peak World Ranking was 2nd (in 10 different months from March 1935 and May 1936). According to Chessmetrics his highest rating is 2754. He was one of the best 10 chess players of the world between 1931 and 1941.

Although he never became World Champion or even candidate, he participated in 5 Chess Olympiads between 1930 and 1937 playing for Czechoslovakia. In 1930 he won his first individual silver medal and placed 5th with the team. In 1931 he placed 6th individually and won bronze medal with the team. In 1933 he won individual bronze and silver with the team. In 1935 and 1937 the Czechoslovak team placed 5th and Flohr won individual gold medal both times.

Interesting facts:

In 1937 FIDE nominated Flohr to play against Alekhin in the World Championship match, but as WWII approached, he was not able to raise the stake money in Czechoslovakia and the match did not take place.

He died on 18 July 1983 in Moscow at the age of 74.