Karpov's visit brings a proud moment for GM Torre - Thelocalreport.in

Grandmaster (GM) Eugene Torre can still vividly remember beating Russian chess legend Anatoly Karpov nearly four decades ago.

“I will never forget the time I beat him because at the time he was the world champion,” Torre told the Inquirer.

Karpov and Torre will meet again on Tuesday, not in front of each other, but in front of 200 children at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where the illustrious Russian GM hopes to inspire future champions.

Torre, Asia’s first GM, defeated Karpov in his prime twice: during the 1976 Interzonal in Manila and at an invitational tournament in London in 1984. Karpov, however, beat Torre four times to tie the Filipino. five times in their face to face. .

“I am very lucky to have [played against] Karpov because he rarely lost during the decade he became a world champion,” Torre said. “He was almost invincible at the time.”

Karpov, who swept the sport as its world champion from 1975 to 1985, arrived Monday night for a three-day visit organized by the Philippine Sports Commission in cooperation with the Russian embassy.

Now, as a politician in Russia’s State Duma, Karpov, 71, will do more than just talk during his visit here.

“We will show the film ‘The World Champion’ made in Russia. It will commemorate the Karpov championship here in the Philippines in Baguio. [in] 1978,” said Nina Prakapovich, press attaché at the Russian Embassy in the Philippines.

Karpov retained his title at the 1978 World Chess Championship in Baguio after beating Victor Korchnoi. INQ