Karpov confident of beating Utut in chess duel<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): FIDE world chess champion Grandmaster Anatoly
\nKarpov of Russia voiced optimism that he could beat Indonesia's
\nGM Utut Adianto in a duel which starts at Omni Batavia Hotel
\ntoday and will last through Nov. 24.<\/p>\n
\"I know that Utut is a good player but I am confident that I
\ncan beat him in the match,\" Karpov said upon arrival at Soekarno-
\nHatta Airport yesterday.<\/p>\n
Karpov ranks fourth in the world with an elo rating of 2,745.
\nUtut ranks 53rd with an elo rating of 2,610.<\/p>\n
Karpov, accompanied by his wife Natalia Baulanova, was greeted
\nby Cholid Ghozali, vice chairman of the Indonesian Chess
\nAssociation, Eka Putra Wirya of Jakarta chess school Enerpac,
\nJamil Jamal, the association's secretary and Christianus Liem,
\nthe association's spokesman.<\/p>\n
Numerous reporters surrounded Karpov and fired a series of
\nquestions, most of which Karpov answered.<\/p>\n
Airport security had trouble in escorting the world champion
\nto an awaiting car which took him straight to his hotel. The
\narrival hall suddenly filled with curious people hoping to catch
\na glimpse of Karpov.<\/p>\n
But some people at the airport had no idea who Karpov was.<\/p>\n
\"Who is that man? Why is he surrounded by reporters?\" one man
\nasked The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
After telling him that the man was the world chess champion
\nKarpov, the man was amazed and said: \"Oh, the world chess
\nchampion. He's certainly handsome. When and where can I meet
\nhim?\"<\/p>\n
Dubbed the \"Clash of the Titans\", Karpov and Utut will play
\nsix rounds. Each round will consist of three games: blindfold
\nchess, regular chess and rapid chess.<\/p>\n
The winner of the four-day match, sponsored by the Tamara
\nGroup, will receive US$30,000 while the loser will receive
\n$20,000.<\/p>\n
Karpov will also receive a $10,000 appearance fee.<\/p>\n
Referring to Utut, Karpov said he was a good player and he had
\nto be careful with him.<\/p>\n
\"Utut is good in regular chess, that's why I have to be
\ncareful in my moves. I have known Utut for a long time and I
\nconsider him a world class player,\" Karpov said.<\/p>\n
For Karpov, the match is very important, especially in his
\npreparation for the world championships in Switzerland in
\nDecember.<\/p>\n
When asked about his preparation, Karpov said that before
\narriving in Indonesia he had practice regularly. \"I practiced
\nevery day so I am ready for the match.\"<\/p>\n
Candidate<\/p>\n
Karpov, 46, was born in Zlatoust, Russia. He started playing
\nchess at the age of four. When he was 11, he was a candidate for
\na master's title. In 1969, Karpov grabbed an International Master
\ntitle.<\/p>\n
In the same year, Karpov became the world junior champion. A
\nyear later, he earned a Grandmaster title.<\/p>\n
Karpov has played in 140 tournaments, more than any other
\nplayer, and has won most of them.<\/p>\n
Garry Kasparov of Russia and Nigel Short of England are the
\nonly two players who have defeated Karpov.<\/p>\n
Ghozali, meanwhile, said he hoped the match would be aired by
\nall private television networks.<\/p>\n
\"We are trying to have the match televised live through all
\nthe private television networks. We want to show the people how
\npopular chess is,\" Ghozali said.<\/p>\n
Top model and actress Tamara Blesynsky is scheduled to make
\nthe first move in the match.<\/p>\n
Tamara was chosen to attract more attention to the contest.
\n(lnt)<\/p>",
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