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Soviets hope to regain chess crownBy FRANK CltEPEAU Associated Press WriterMOSCOW (AP) - soviet hopes of regaining the world chess title rest on the shoulders of Anatoly Karpov, a 23-year-old who has proved he is a worthy challenger to champion Bobby Fischer of the UnitedStates.Karpov won the right to play Fischer next year by taking the final challengers match, 3*2, from Viktor Korchnoi, also of the Soviet Union.In the gruelling road to the title match Karpov won 20 games, lost only 3 and played 37 draws against the best in the world.In the quarterfinals Karpovbeat Lev Polugayevsky, a fellow Soviet with three victories and five draws and then smashed former world champion Boris Spassky in the semi-final with four victories, six draws and one defeat that Karpov attributed to illness.Among those who watchedKarpov drive toward the championship, there is no doubt Karpov is the Strongest foe for Fischer.Karpov looks immature - askinny Kid with a high-pitched yoke in an ill-fitting suit. His light brown hair, worn long at the back is usually combed down over his brow on a slant.Referring to his slight physique one Soviet commentator said “h.e looks like the grand master of the lightweights.”Playing with a cool, precise economy and always looking for the easiest way to win, Karpov does not go in for flashy combinations or strive for brilliancy.One knowledgeable chess observer who has watched Karpov said he has a talent for “making a move hardly noticed at the time that turns out to be Ihekey to the game.Karpov has said of his own game: “Sometimes lam reproached because my game is dry and rational. Yes, I am a practical man. From several possible solutions I choose not the simpliest but lie most expedient.11Karpov’s father gave him a chess set as a toy when he was 4!a years old and a few months later he was playing. He started winning children's tournaments in this chess-mad country and by 15he was a master and at 18 junior champion of the world.Four years ago Karpov gained recognition as an international grandmaster. In 1971 he won the prestigious Alekhine Tournament and in 1973 was voted the best Soviet chess player. For a long time, before Fischer, that meant the best hi ♦he world.Karpov lives in Leningradwhere he is an economics student at the university, and a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth Organization. His chess doesn’t leave much time for study, but like most Soviet stars in chess or sports the state makes sure he doesn’t have to worry about such things as his grade average.For relaxation Karpov collects stamps and goes to the theater.Asked if he was happy with his life Karpov said “I am satisfied that 1 am busy with chess, that 1 play chess. Chess is my life.”After a rest, Karpov will start preparing for Fischer, a man he calls “the outstanding chess player of the present time.”He will probably keep aloof I from what shapes up as a struggle to get Fischer to the board. Fischer has demanded an unlimited number of games . and the International Chess Federation has rejected the idea.Fischer’s latest word is that he is vacating his title unless his demands are met.If Fischer carries out the threat the title would go to Karpov by default.Despite some allegations that the Russians want the title back, any way they can get it, Karpov and other Soviet players expect the match to be ! played and want it played.“The chess world doesn't want Fischer to renounce the j match,” said commentator Salo j Flor in the Soviet press. “Soviet players don’t want it and I have no doubt Karpov doesn't want it.”
Newspaper Details
Greeley Daily Tribune
Greeley, Colorado, US
Thu, Dec 05, 1974
Page 52
Full Page
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Los A.
CA, USA 23 Jan 2023
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