Utut's Karpov clash his time to shine

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grandmaster Utut Adianto will be given the best opportunity ever to show his true talent when he meets GM Antoly Karpov in a six-round duel match at Hotel Indonesia from Nov. 21 to Nov. 25.

Dubbed the "Clash of the Titans", each round will consist of three games; blindfold chess, regular chess and rapid chess.

The winner of the four-day match, sponsored by Tamara Group, will receive US$30,000 while the loser will receive $20,000.

Karpov is ranked fourth in the world with an elo rating of 2745 and Utut is ranked 53rd with an elo rating of 2610.

Eka Putra Wirya of Jakarta chess school Enerpac, said yesterday that the duel match is part of Utut's preparation for the 100 best chess players tournament in the Netherlands in December.

"Utut will represent the Asia-Pacific zone and this is an honor for him to compete with the best 100 best chess players in the world," Eka said.

Eka also said that Karpov, who will be paid a $10,000 appearance fee, has welcomed the duel match and is aching to take on Utut.

"Utut is a brilliant player and Karpov knows that. Utut is good in rapid chess and there is a possibility that he could beat Karpov," Eka added.

Jamil Jamal of the Indonesian Chess Association said that the duel match will not lower the two players' elo ratings.

"Since they will play three games in each round, victory or defeat for Utut and Karpov will not lower their elo ratings," Jamil said.

Karpov has played in 140 tournaments, more than any other player, and has won most of them.

Garry Kasparov of Russia and Nigel Short of England are the only two players that have defeated Karpov. (lnt)