Utut in tough group at int'l rapid chess tournament

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top chess player Utut Adianto faces a tough draw at the Intercontinental Cup rapid chess tournament in Cap d'Agde, France this week.

The draw conducted on Saturday placed Utut in Group B along with defending champion Boris Gelfand of Belarus, world number five Vasilly Ivanchuk of Ukraine, French young gun Ettiene Bacrot, Ivan Morovic of Chile, Vietnam's Thien Hai Dao, Walter Arencibia of Cuba and African representative Esam Mohammed of Egypt.

Official world champion Anatoly Karpov leads Group A which also features Hungarian chess heavyweight Judith Polgar, the only female competitor in the quadrennial event, Ian Rogers of Australia, French champion Iossif Dorfman, Zourab Azmaiparachvili of Georgia, Hicham Hamdouchi of Morocco, Watu Kobese of Sudan and America's lone representative Giovanni Vescovi of Brazil.

"Except Gelfand and Ivanchuk, there are no contenders that worry me unduly. I'm convinced I will make it to the last-eight round," said Utut, fresh from a 28-hour flight on his way to this small town near Marseille.

The top four from each group will qualify for the knock-out second stage.

In rapid chess, players are given 25 minutes to make their moves. In normal chess matches, players are given two hours for the first 40 moves

Utut, making his second appearance at the unofficial world rapid chess championship, is representing the Asia Pacific region.

Utut's manager Eka Putra Wirya expressed guarded optimism that his player would meet his target of finishing among the top four.

"He deserves what it takes after winning a prestigious rapid chess tournament in Biel, Switzerland, twice in a row, last year and in August," Eka said as quoted by Antara.

Utut was to play his opening match against Arencibia later on Sunday.

"I've never met him (Arencibia) before, but I'm in top form although I feel a little bit tired after a marathon flight," said Utut.

Players earn $1,000 by qualifying for the tournament. Qualifiers for the knock-out stage will gain $2,000 for every additional win. The tournament winner bags $16,000, and the runner-up half that amount. (amd)