Karpov to play in Bangalore Grand Prix

Former World champion Anatoly Karpov has confirmed participation in the FIDE Grand Prix, to be held in Bangalore from July 9 to 16.

"I will surely be playing in India but may not participate in the second event to be held in Moscow," the Dubai-based Gulf News reported on Friday.

"I may skip the Moscow event as I have a conference in the United States and may not be able to reach Moscow in time. I had already committed myself to this engagement and hence might be forced to skip the Moscow event," Karopov said.

The FIDE Grand Prix, which began in Dubai on April 3, comprises five super Grandmaster events spread across different continents. After the first round, it will move to Moscow, then to Bangalore, Dubrovnik or Poland. The final round of the Grand Prix will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Commenting on the tournament, Karpov said: "It is a nice event. As chess is getting faster... it is nice to have such kind of rapid chess events."

When asked whether more emphasis should be given to rapid chess events, Karpov replied: "It would be nice for the authorities to think about organising a rapid chess World Cup competition."