Karpov, ex-world chess champ, visiting Baguio on Feb 1st

Former world chess champion Anatoly Karpov is coming up to Baguio on February 1, 2023 for a brief half-a-day visit that includes a personal appearance at the Baguio Convention Center for a chess engagement with local chess aficionados led by the Baguio Chess Club.

Mayor Benjie B. Magalong welcomed the brief but meaningful visit of the famed ex-world chess titlist, recalling that the Baguio Convention Center was the venue for the historic chess match between him and fellow Russian Viktor Korchnoi in a grueling tournament that put Baguio in the world map.

“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,” he said, stating that Baguio’s officialdom is honored to have him back even for a short visit.

The mayor also invited the city’s chess players, notably from the Baguio Chess Club, to be part of the audience that will watch a film documentary on the fabled chess match, which the former world chess titleholder will personally annotate. This will be shown at 2 o’clock at the city’s convention center. A chess exhibition is being arranged for Mr. Karpov.

 The four-hour visit of the famous chess grandmaster will start at 12 noon with a courtesy call and lunch with the city’s chief local executive, to be followed by a visit to the BCC for a tour of the premises, then by a film presentation that is open to the general public.

He leaves the city at about 4 o’clock for his return trip to Manila. – NSB