Chess Grand Master Anatoly Karpov Arrived in Havana
Posted: 2008/04/15
From: Mathaba
In statements to the press, Russian chess Grand Master Anatoly Karpov said he was happy to be back in Cuba and spoke about his tight agenda for this visit.
Havana, April 14 (acn) Russian chess Grand Master and former world champion Anatoly Karpov arrived in Cuba at 6:10 pm on Monday on the invitation of local sports authorities to participate as guest in the Cuban Sports Olympiads underway since Saturday.
Karpov was met at Havana’s international airport by the president of the Cuban Chess Federation GM Silvino Garcia. In statements to the press, Karpov said he was happy to be back in Cuba and spoke about his tight agenda for this visit.
The famous chess player will visit the International School of Sports and Physical Education and a local rehabilitation center for children affected by the Chernobil nuclear disaster. He will also pay tribute to Cuban Maestro Jose Raul Capablanca, world champ from 1921 to 1927, whom he considers his idol.
Karpov will also give a lecture at the Aula Magna of the University of Havana and will attend a simultaneous chess match at the Havana-based IT University.
Karpov, who will turn 57 next May 23, is considered one of the major figures of chess in the world; he, along with his countryman Garry Kasparov, wrote a chapter in the world of chess.
Four years ago, the Russian former World Champ attended a chess match that closed the Cuban Sports Olympiads in the central city of Santa Clara.
Source: mathaba.net
Havana is beautiful. I hope they’ll rebuild this city.