★★★ QUALIFICATION ★★★

Karpov successfully defended his title by a narrow score of 6-5 last time (see: Game Collection: 1978 World Chess Championship for games and more info), so it was time for a new challenger.

The first one took place in Riga. The favourites were Polugaevsky, Larsen and Tal. Tal won impressively with a score of 14/17, 2 1/2 points ahead of the second place winner, Polugaevsky who score 11.5/17. In third was Adorján of Hungary, scoring 11/17. Favourite Larsen had 10 points in 17 games.

The second one took place in Rio de Janeiro. The favourites here were Portisch, Mecking and Petrosian. This tournament was much tougher. The top 3 tied for 11.5, and all qualified for the Candidates. They were Portisch, Petrosian and Hübner.

In the Candidates, the two finalists from last time, Korchnoi and Spassky received direct seeding. In Rd.1 (quarter finals) it was a best of 10 (first to 5 1/2). Korchnoi beat Petrosian 5 1/2-3 1/2, Polugaevsky bested Tal 5 1/2-2 1/2, and Adorján beat Hübner 5 1/2-4 1/2. Portisch and Spassky also met, but it was tied 5-5 after 10. Two more games were played, but the match was still tied. A last two games were played, but the match was tied 7-7. Portisch advanced due to more black games won (1-0).

In the semi-finals, there was only one Soviet (Polugaevsky). However, he was eliminated 7 1/2-6 1/2 in the best of 12 format, after two tie break games. Hübner knocked out Portisch 6 1/2-4 1/2, also having to go to extras.

In the final, Korchnoi was leading 4 1/2-3 1/2, in a first to 6 1/2, however Hübner forfeit the match, allowing Korchnoi to face Karpov in a WCC match for a third time in a row.

★★★ CONDITIONS ★★★

The match took place in Meran, Italy. The winner was the same as last time. First to win 6 games, draws not counting, would be the winner. Note: This match is measured in wins. Total score is in brackets. The first round was played on October 1st, 1981. The last round was played on November 19th, 1981.

★★★ FINAL ★★★
The last round (18) was played on November 19th, 1981. Entering the round, Karpov had the white pieces and a commanding 5-2 lead. One win, and game set match. He did so. Karpov, for a third time in a row, defended his title against Korchnoi.

★★★ MINI TABLE ★★★

Karpov 1 1 1/2 1 1/2 0 1/2 1/2 1 1/2 1/2 1/2 0 1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1 (6 wins, 10 draws, 2 losses) <61.1% score>

Korchnoi 0 0 1/2 0 1/2 1 1/2 1/2 0 1/2 1/2 1/2 1 0 1/2 1/2 1/2 0 (2 wins, 10 draws, 6 losses) <38.9% score>

★★★ SEE ALSO ★★★
See also: Karpov-Korchnoi World Championship Rematch (1981)

Head to Head Match up Prior to 1981: http://www.chessgames.com/perl/ches...

Previous World Championship: Game Collection: 1978 World Chess Championship