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)