Former World Chess Champion
Anatoly Karpov at UMBC

April 6–7, 2005
University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Press Release, March 31, 2005, from Dr. Alan Sherman

Former World Chess Champion Anatoly Karpov will spend two days at UMBC presenting two public events and providing private training sessions with the UMBC Chess Teams. In 1975, Karpov became World Chess Champion when Bobby Fischer refused to defend his title. Since then, Karpov has continued to distinguish himself as one of the greatest chess players. Born in 1951 in Zlatoust, Southern Urals, Karpov is visiting the USA in celebration of the 30th anniversary of his first world title.

UMBC is a powerhouse of college chess, having won (or tied for first) at the Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship (Pan-Am) six times (1996, 1998–2002). April 1–3, the UMBC Team is competing against the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), Stanford University, and Miami Dade College at the Final Four of College Chess in Lindsborg, Kansas, home of the Anatoly Karpov International School of Chess. UMBC is eager to avenge its second-place finish to UTD at the 2004 Pam-Am.

All evening events free and open to the public.

Wednesday, April 6 – Simultaneous Exhibition
Karpov will simultaneously play all scholastic challengers grades 1-12.
Limit: first 60 players. Bring your own regulation set.
5:30–8:30pm, Mainstreet, Commons Building
Note: There is a public food court in the Commons.

Thursday, April 7 – Lecture: My Best Games
Karpov explains some of his best games, including recent encounters with Kasparov.
7–10pm, Lecture Hall 8, ITE Building

Directions: Take Exit 47B from I-95 (near BWI airport) and follow signs to UMBC. Park in any visitor lot.

Organizer: Dr. Alan T. Sherman, Director, UMBC Chess Program, dralansherman@starpower.net

Media Contact: Charles Rose, crose@umbc.edu, tele. 410-455-5793

Upcoming UMBC Chess Events (open to all):
UMBC Chess Championship, 5-SS, September 17–18, 2005, Commons Building.
2006 Pan-American Chess Championships, December 27–30, 2006, Washington, DC.

Press-Release