Karpov - Anand FIDE World Championship Match (1998)

DRAFT <Chessical>

Background

In December 1995, FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov radically changed the qualifying system for the world championship challenger replacing the Candidates qualifying matches with a series of knock-out matches. He claimed the new system would be a cheaper, easier to administer and be more exciting so attracting greater media interest. Ilyumzhinov hoped that with a guaranteed $5,000,000 prize fund the tournament would unite the FIDE and PCA world championship titles by enticing Garry Kasparov 's participation. (Chess, February 1998, vol.62, no.11 p.5). Ilyumzhinov had offered that both world champions would be seeded directly into the semi-finals. The world champion would receive $1,370,000 Championship and the loser $768,000 and furthermore Ilyumzhinov promised $55,000,000 to finance the world championship for the next 20 years. (Chess, January 1998, vol.62, no.10 p.32).

Kasparov, however, did not like the concept of the mini matches determining the world chess crown and refused to play. Vladimir Kramnik also declined to play in protest against Karpov being seeded into the final. ("Garry Kasparov on My Great Predecessors", Vol.5. p.465). FIDE's champion Anatoly Karpov was then placed directly into the final, which attracted vocal criticism as being unfair to his prospective and probably exhausted opponent. The new qualification tournament was held between 9th December and 30th December 1997 in Groningen, Holland ("Garry Kasparov on My Great Predecessors", Vol.5. p.465). The final originally to be held in Ilyumzhinov's fiefdom of Kalmykia, was relocated to the Olympic Museum Lausanne as FIDE was trying to promote chess as an Olympic sport (Chess, March 1998, vol.62, no.12 p.4).

Ilyumzhinov seemed to be offering a fresh start and fresh money for professional chess. Despite reservations regarding Karpov's privileges and the element of chance in short matches decided by blitz games, many gave him the benefit of the doubt. "…he has started to build something and that is important…This type of world championship cycle is very good for your motivation as a professional player", " (Michael Adams ) (Chess, February 1998, vol.62, no.11 p.20).

Controversy:

There were complaints that the new system gave Karpov too many privileges, but Anand avoided controversy at the time: "We all knew the regulations before we came to Groningen. Of course we had to work hard there, but that may not be a disadvantage. I don't like to discuss the system. As far as I am concerned it has worked out well so far ...although I have to say it required a lot of energy…it's better than nothing and don't forget that's what we had – nothing." (Chess, February 1998, vol.62, no.11 p.21).

Anand also stated that "…I feel great. I'm in good shape. Why shouldn't I win this match against Karpov?" (Chess, February 1998, vol.62, no.11 p.21). , but he did allow himself the quip that he was "brought in a coffin" to play Karpov. (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/... ) Later, he would ruefully state the terms were one-sided. He had just played twenty-three games against GMs averaging 2662 ELO in twenty-one days. The Lausanne match began only three days after Anand's last game in Groningen and in that time he had to travel to the new venue

Karpov, meanwhile, complained that: "I could not prepare as normal because I did not know who my opponent would be…Secondly, a world champion normally retains his title in the event of a tie, but FIDE stripped me of this privilege". (Chess, March 1998, vol.62, no.12 p.14).

The players

Karpov was 46 years old, and Anand 28. Anand had played Karpov 43 times previously; including rapid games he had a 12 to 6 lead with 25 draws (Chessbase Big Database). Anand was the higher rated at 2770 ELO as against Karpov's 2735 ELO.

Karpov had an indifferent 1997 season. He had come equal last in Las Palmas, a category 21 tournament, in December 1996 without scoring a win and with hindsight this period was the start of a notable decline in Karpov's performances. For Anand Groningen topped-off a very successful year including his best yet result at the Frankfurt (Chess Classics), 1997. <The match>
The match was to be of 6 games duration, on January 2nd, 3rd and 4th and 6th, 7th and 8th), and if tied there would be a rapid, then a blitz and finally an Armageddon playoffs.

Karpov ‘s seconds were: Mikhail Podgaets , Vladimir Tukmakov and Alexander Onischuk .

Anand had the services of: Elizbar Ubilava , Artur Yusupov and Peter Leko assisting him.

Anand lost the first game in which both sides played aggressively and sacrificed material. It went to 108 moves. In the second game, Karpov as Black continued to play unusually aggressive chess, but in a very sharp position he blundered. This upset him and in the third game he played for a quick draw.

In Game 4, Anand got a good position but then played several critical moves almost without thought, very quickly and lost. Game 5 was a draw, leaving Anand having to win as Black to tie the match. Karpov despite looking fresher and more relaxed than his opponent blundered and lost. (Chess, March 1998, vol.62, no.12 p.10).

On January 9th, the match now entered the rapid play phase with 25 minutes per player per game. In the first game Karpov fell behind on the clock and was losing until Anand blundered first a win and then a draw. In the second rapid game, Karpov as Black built a very solid position. Anand desperately sacrificed two pawns and a knight but lost.

Karpov therefore retained his title. (Chess, March 1998, vol.62, no.12 p.4).