Anand and Three Challengers

Press Release, 18 February 2013 

Zurich Chess Challenge: World Champion Viswanathan Anand and Three Challengers 

In one of the strongest tournaments of the year the World Champion Viswanathan Anand (India) will be facing the former title-holder Vladimir Kramnik (Russia), last year’s World Championship challenger Boris Gelfand (Israel) and the rising star Fabiano Caruana (Italy). At the Savoy Hotel, Paradeplatz, Zurich, the four masters will play a double round-robin tournament from 23 February to 1 March 2013. Sixty years after the epic Candidates’ Tournament, Zurich is again hosting a clash among the world’s leading chess masters.

For Kramnik and Gelfand this will be their last trial of strength before the Candidates’ Tournament in London, where both are hoping to qualify for another World Championship match against Anand. The World Champion has been struggling a little of late, but he returned to good form earlier this year in Wijk aan Zee and in Baden-Baden. The 21-year-old Fabiano Caruana was the rising star of 2012, temporarily shooting up to fifth place in the world rankings. Based in Lugano, the Miami-born Italian will no doubt be a favourite among the local spectators.

All the games will be broadcast with live commentary on the Internet. Spectators are very welcome to come to the Savoy Hotel, where admission is free of charge. In case of a draw before move 40, an additional exhibition game will be played (result not counting).

Internet: www.zurich-cc.com 

Participants: Vladimir Kramnik (Russia, Elo 2810, #2 on the current world ranking list),