March 27, 2011
Two of the world’s foremost chess virtuosos – the current world champion Viswanathan Anand and the 17th world champion Rustam Kasimjanov – pitted wits against each other in a friendly rapid match on March 27 organized by the Fund Forum and Uzbekistan Chess Federation. After a suspenseful game between the two, FIDE president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov proposed that Gulnara Karimova play a game of chess with Vishy Anand, which ended in a draw.
At a press conference held at the Fund Forum the day before the match, the two grandmasters answered numerous questions from journalists regarding their professional activities and what they thought the outcome of the game would be. Kasimjanov said he believes Anand plays better than him as the Indian player has emerged triumphant in the bulk of previous matches between them.
The four-game rapid match, which lasted 6 hours and was broadcast live on “Sport” TV channel, maintained its suspense all throughout, with the players making unpredictable moves. The first game was drawn. In the ensuing three games Anand got the better of his Uzbek challenger. Later Kasimjanov said to journalists he once again realized what an exceptional player Anand is and equated the encounter to a priceless lesson from his Indian colleague.
At the official ceremony, FIDE president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, a famous chess player himself, noted he was glad that chess in Uzbekistan receives so much support at governmental level, and highlighted the Fund Forum’s efforts to support youth-oriented and sporting projects.
Gulnara Karimova, the chairperson of the Fund Forum’s Board of Trustees, expressed thanks to the grandmasters for playing in Tashkent and announced that in September 2012 Tashkent will host a chess grand prix which will feature the world’s 12 leading grandmasters.
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