Utut to participate in world chess c'ships

Utut to participate in world chess c'ships

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Grandmaster Utut Adianto is to
undergo a series of rigorous training stints in preparation for
the 1997 World Chess Championships, which will feature 100 of the
world's top players in action.

In an effort to ensure that Utut will play well, the
Indonesian Chess Association has asked him to train harder for
the coming championships, to take place in December.

Djamil Djamal, secretary-general of the association, said
Thursday that the championships present a good opportunity for
Utut to join in the ranks of contenders for the world title
contest.

"Before Utut takes part in the championships, he should
prepare himself well. We expect Utut to be at least included
among the top 12 players in the world," Djamal said.

A knockout system will be used during the championships. Under
the system, each player will play two matches. If a player loses
both matches, they are automatically out of the game. Two players
will be chosen to challenge the titleholder.

Utut was able to take part in the December championships after
winning the Asian and Pacific zone title in Genting, Malaysia
last year.

"Before Utut proceeds to the championships, we have scheduled
him for a duel match with either GM Gata Kamsky of the United
States or GM Viswanathan Anand from India," Djamal said.

Anand is ranked fifth in the world, and is the only candidate
from Asia for the world chess title contest.

Djamal, however, said no target has been set for the duel
match because it is only meant as a warm-up for the
championships. "Whether Utut wins or loses, it is not important.
We only want him to produce a good performance." (lnt)