Efforts are already underway to bring former world chess champion Anatoly Karpov to Baguio City, a place where the Russian fought one of the most controversial world championship matches in his career.
Grandmaster Eugene Torre confirmed this plan Saturday, March 20, saying that the Russian embassy and Baguio City headed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong are eyeing to have Karpov in the country in November.
Torre said he was present in the meeting and officials are hoping that the pandemic situation in the country improves so that the Russian chess legend can visit the country.
Torre, also Asia’s first Grandmaster, believes having Karpov could boost the popularity of the sport in the country.
The country hosted the 1978 World Chess Championship at the Baguio Convention Center where Karpov fought Soviet émigré Viktor Korchnoi.
The event, which took place from July 18 to Oct. 18, generated controversies off the board with histrionics that include protests about the flags used on the board.
Eventually, Karpov won, 16.5-15.5.