Karpov confident of beating Utut in chess duel
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)