Utut Adianto hopeful of beating Karpov

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grandmaster Utut Adianto is confident of beating former world chess champion GM Anatoly Karpov of Russia in a duel to be held at Hotel Indonesia from Nov. 21 to Nov. 28.

"I will have to play my very best to defeat Karpov. I know that Karpov is better than me, but I am confident I can beat him," Utut said in Padang, West Sumatra, Sunday.

Utut was in Padang playing simultaneously against 40 local West Sumatran chess players at the P.T. Semen Padang housing complex.

Utut is ranked 50th in the world, with an elo rating of 2615; Karpov is third with an elo rating of 2765.

There is more at stake than just pride. The winner will take home US$30,000 and the loser $20,000.

This match will be used as a warmup for the world championship in the Netherlands in December where Utut will represent the East Asia and Asia-Africa zones.

Referring to the forthcoming clash, Utut said Karpov was well known for fending off attacks and then replying with deadly counterattacks.

"In facing Karpov, I have to use the opportunities I get for sudden attacks and to avoid his counterattacks," Utut said.

On his preparation for the match, Utut said that he was planning a number of warmup matches, playing against GM Eugene Torre of the Philippines and several Indonesian grandmasters and international masters levels.

"The best experience I ever had was when I drew with GM Judit Polgar of Rumania. That experience will prove very beneficial for me when facing Karpov," Utut said. (lnt)