Indian chess fraternity eager to watch legend Kasparov's return on Aug 14
Garry Kasparov. Pics/Getty Images, Facebook
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An incredulous chess world had chorused in pained unison when Garry Kasparov, the reigning World No. 1 abruptly announced his retirement in 2005, immediately after winning the prestigious Linares tournament [dubbed as the Wimbledon of chess]. Last month, an ecstatic chess world came alive with headlines, 'The King is Back' when Kasparov announced that he would be playing in the Rapid and Blitz section of the Sinquefield Cup from August 14 as a wild card entry.
In 1985, Kasparov became the youngest ever World Champion at 22 years by defeating Anatoly Karpov 13-11, thus winning the last 24th game in a sensational manner when a draw would have sufficed to retain the title. A record eight appearances at the biennial Chess Olympiad, four for the erstwhile USSR and gold on all eight occasions, 11 chess Oscars, a record of 15 successive individual tournament titles [first or tie for the first place] from 1981 to 1990 and it is no wonder that his return, even for a Rapid and Blitz event has created such a hype.
Vidit Gujrathi
The 10-player field at Sinquefield Cup boasts of four World Blitz Champions, Sergey Karjakin, Alexander Grischuk, Lenier Dominguez, Le Quang Liem and Hikaru Nakamura, Viswanathan Anand and Levon Aronian. The player sorely missed is the reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsen, a former student of Kasparov.
Would he be rusty after a 12-year retirement period? Would his calculating ability be as phenomenal as ever and would his legendary opening repertoire offer more to the chess world? These are questions the current crop of young Grandmasters don't care about. Super GM Vidit Gujrathi, 22, currently the third highest rated Indian quipped, “I am waiting with bated breath to watch this legend play and though I am participating in an event simultaneously, I would be glued to the internet. He is my idol and I have never watched him play live, so I am definitely not going to miss this opportunity.” Asked whether Kasparov had winning chances, he questioned, “Why not? I strongly believe he has the ability to win the event.”
Veteran GM Pravin Thipsay whose chess career coincided with Kasparov, said: “I think he still has plenty to offer to the chess world. I don't think he may win the event this time, but if he continues to compete for a year, I don't rule out the possibility of him winning tournaments.”
Kasparov himself tweeted: “Ready to see if I remember how to move the pieces! Will I be able to announce my re-retirement afterwards if not.”
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