Utut Adianto and Seirawan ready for today's duel

Utut Adianto and Seirawan ready for today's duel

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian chess experts have billed today's
duel between local number one Utut Adianto and American grand
master Yasser Seirawan as a struggle for both of them.

"I am optimistic that I will win, though I know it won't be
easy," Utut said, adding that he thought they were equally
matched.

The world chess body FIDE rated 29 year-old Utut at 2,520 in
July, while Seirawan is rated at 2,585. But, after taking part in
several international tournaments, Utut and Seirawan have raised
their ratings by 70 and 20 respectively.

Utut said that a 2.5 - 1.5 victory would be enough to boost
his present elo rating from 2,590 to 2,600.

Utut said Master National Sebastian Simanjuntak and FIDE
Master Ruben Gunawan have helped him analyze Seirawan's stats and
have given him advice on strategies.

Seirawan, on the other hand, said that based on his past
performances he must be tipped to win but wouldn't underestimate
his opponent. Utut played well during his recent European tour.

Utut, who has just returned from a 13-day stint with Russian
grand master Joseff Dorman in Paris, performed at his best when
he won the Biel Masters in Switzerland last August.

"I think it will be a very hard battle for me," said the
American who turned professional 17 years ago.

Now ranked among the world's top 50, he said that he was good
at combining the position feature with well-devised planning and
tactics while Utut has a solid opening and had good math skills.

Seirawan was invited by Enerpac chess school to replace 1957-
58 world champion Vassily Smyslov who was hospitalized a few days
before his planned departure to Indonesia. (arf)