Karpov set for Manila visit  

MANILA, Philippines — Former world chess champion Anatoly Karpov of Russia is revisiting the Philippines where he played one of his most memorable world championship battles.

And a familiar face will be there to personally meet him — former foe-turned-friend Eugene Torre.

“Among the world champions, except of course Bobby Fischer, he was the closest to me, much closer than (Boris) Spassky, (Tigran) Petrosian, (Vassily) Smyslov because we both started competing in the juniors in 1969,” said Torre referring to his fellow 71-year-old contemporary. “That is why I’m so happy to see him after a long while.”

Torre said he’s helping the Russian embassy and the Philippine Sports Commission coordinate some of Karpov’s activities.

It will include an engagement tentatively set at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila Tuesday where he will also hold a simultaneous exhibition chess match and attend a Russian movie about his exploits in his 1978 world title duel with Russian émigré Viktor Korchnoi.

Interestingly, Karpov will also revisit Wednesday the place where he beat Korchnoi in 1978 – the Baguio Convention Center.

“As a chess enthusiast myself, I express the gratitude of our people in spreading the welcome mat for Mr. Karpov in his first-ever visit to the summer capital of the Philippines, after winning his chess match with a tough contender,” said Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong.

Torre and Karpov have an equal share of memorable battles themselves, having fought 11 times, with the former winning two and the latter taking four with five ending in draws.

“I beat him twice when he was world champion,” said Torre referring to the 1976 Kings Challenge at the Philam Life building and 1984 London Invitational where Karpov eventually wound up as winner.

“And I’m proud of those wins because Karpov for so many years was unbeatable, he rarely loses. So beating him was big news back then,” said Torre.