Karpov confident of beating Utut in chess duel

JAKARTA (JP): FIDE world chess champion Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov of Russia voiced optimism that he could beat Indonesia's GM Utut Adianto in a duel which starts at Omni Batavia Hotel today and will last through Nov. 24.

"I know that Utut is a good player but I am confident that I can beat him in the match," Karpov said upon arrival at Soekarno- Hatta Airport yesterday.

Karpov ranks fourth in the world with an elo rating of 2,745. Utut ranks 53rd with an elo rating of 2,610.

Karpov, accompanied by his wife Natalia Baulanova, was greeted by Cholid Ghozali, vice chairman of the Indonesian Chess Association, Eka Putra Wirya of Jakarta chess school Enerpac, Jamil Jamal, the association's secretary and Christianus Liem, the association's spokesman.

Numerous reporters surrounded Karpov and fired a series of questions, most of which Karpov answered.

Airport security had trouble in escorting the world champion to an awaiting car which took him straight to his hotel. The arrival hall suddenly filled with curious people hoping to catch a glimpse of Karpov.

But some people at the airport had no idea who Karpov was.

"Who is that man? Why is he surrounded by reporters?" one man asked The Jakarta Post.

After telling him that the man was the world chess champion Karpov, the man was amazed and said: "Oh, the world chess champion. He's certainly handsome. When and where can I meet him?"

Dubbed the "Clash of the Titans", Karpov and Utut will play six rounds. Each round will consist of three games: blindfold chess, regular chess and rapid chess.

The winner of the four-day match, sponsored by the Tamara Group, will receive US$30,000 while the loser will receive $20,000.

Karpov will also receive a $10,000 appearance fee.

Referring to Utut, Karpov said he was a good player and he had to be careful with him.

"Utut is good in regular chess, that's why I have to be careful in my moves. I have known Utut for a long time and I consider him a world class player," Karpov said.

For Karpov, the match is very important, especially in his preparation for the world championships in Switzerland in December.

When asked about his preparation, Karpov said that before arriving in Indonesia he had practice regularly. "I practiced every day so I am ready for the match."

Candidate

Karpov, 46, was born in Zlatoust, Russia. He started playing chess at the age of four. When he was 11, he was a candidate for a master's title. In 1969, Karpov grabbed an International Master title.

In the same year, Karpov became the world junior champion. A year later, he earned a Grandmaster title.

Karpov has played in 140 tournaments, more than any other player, and has won most of them.

Garry Kasparov of Russia and Nigel Short of England are the only two players who have defeated Karpov.

Ghozali, meanwhile, said he hoped the match would be aired by all private television networks.

"We are trying to have the match televised live through all the private television networks. We want to show the people how popular chess is," Ghozali said.

Top model and actress Tamara Blesynsky is scheduled to make the first move in the match.

Tamara was chosen to attract more attention to the contest. (lnt)