Peter Leko vs Anatoly Karpov in Miskolc
Press release of the organisers
It is a great pleasure for the City of Miskolc to be able to host this year’s most prestigious rapid chess match in the world between two international grandmasters, Anatoly Karpov and Péter Lékó.
Miskolc has the third largest population in Hungary and the people of this City are great lovers of sport and culture. Over the past few decades we have had visits from both European and world stars of long-distance walking, handball, basketball, karate, boxing and speedway. At the same time, Miskolc is a city of music festivals. Miskolc’s “Bartók+” International Opera Festival has already become well-established and has acquired an international reputation.
Chess has long-standing traditions in Miskolc; the City has produced multiple-winning teams in national championships, as well as a number of noted players on the international scene. In accordance with our plans of last year – being encouraged by the great success of the Lékó-Adams match – our International Grandmaster is to take on another challenge in Miskolc in the person of one of the most famous chess players in the world, the twelfth world champion and legendary Anatolyj Karpov. It is a further appreciation for us that this extraordinary rapid match will take place in the inspiring National Theater of Miskolc.
Péter Lékó, who is at the moment in the sixth position on the world ranking list, faces the former world champion Anatoly Karpov in a rapid match of eight games. The duel will be the most prestigious chess event in 2006.
Schedule of the Lékó-Karpov match
August 29 (Tues) 18.00 Opening ceremony and drawing of colours
August 30 (Wed) 16.00 First game of the match
17.30 Second game of the match
August 31 (Thurs) 16.00 Third game of the match
17.30 Fourth game of the match
September 1 (Fri) 16:00 The two GMs meet fans for two hours
September 2 (Sat) 16.00 Fifth game of the match
17.30 Sixth game of the match
September 3 (Sun) 16.00 Seventh game of the match
17.30 Eighth game of the match
20.00 Closing ceremony of the match
The opening move of the first game will be made by Sándor Káli, the mayor of Miskolc. The opening moves of other games will be made by sponsors. After finishing the second game of each day of play, the two grandmasters will give a short press conference of 10-15 minutes. Location of the match is the National Theatre of Miskolc (1 Déryné str, Miskolc).
Here is the official website.
Leko is a slight favorit.
“The duel will be the most prestigious chess event in 2006.” Has Topalov-Kramnik finally been cancelled?
Sounds like an exciting match, but is everything rapid/blitz/lightning these days? Whatever happened to good old 40 moves in two hours?
I agree, Leko s/b fav but I am rooting for Karpov. Then maybe we can see Susan Polgar vs Karpov rematch!