Utut Adianto hopeful of beating Karpov

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)