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The amazing Korchnoi is leading after 5 rounds at the Banja Luka chess tournament in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Srpska. If you remember your history, you'll recall that it was here in 1979 that Garry Kasparov as a 16 year old made history finishing an undefeated first ahead of Andersson and Petrosian among other illuminaries. You can read about it here . Incidentally, Korchnoi was not allowed to participate in 1979 due to the protests by Soviet players. In the 2008 edition, the 2007 winner Korchoi has a chance to defend his title. Among the leaders is the fast rising Geeta Narayanan Gopal from India . Leaders after 5 rounds: Korchnoi, G N Gopal, Heberla, 4 Javakhishvili 2.5 Draško, Vukic, Volkov, Ilinčić 2 Savanović, Vlado Jakovljević 1.5 Official site

We continue the Kramnik - Anand matches with the game at Dos Hermanas, 1996. By this time, the two players were among the very top players in the world, with Anand having the advantage of having played the World Championship match against Kasparov. Watch the game and read more...

To get you warmed up for this year's Corus Chess tournament, here's an unbelievable game from two great masters. Kasparov beats Topalov in a brilliant manner at Wijk aan Zee in 1999. Do let us know what you think of this game.

Chessvibes.com has published a two part interview with Garry Kasparov, arguably the greatest chess player of all time. In the first part, he talks about politics and his views on Vladimir Putin. In the second part, he discusses his chess career and how chess is a small issue compared to the situations he faces taking on Putin. For more details, check www.chessvibes.com

Garry Kasparov, the retired chess genius turned politician, gave his views on Putin winning Time Magazine's Person of the year on the official "The other Russia" website. He also invited the Russian leader to a duel in speaking or writing in Russian. Putin had earlier criticized Kasparov for speaking in English to reporters after being arrested. Kasparov claims that Putin blocks all the Russian that he speaks or writes. More on this on the official site : http://www.theotherrussia.org/2007/12/19/kasparov-on-the-time-person-of-the-year-award-for-vladimir-putin/ Announcement of Person of the Year by Time Magazine : http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/personoftheyear/

Garry Kasparov the energetic chess champion (is still a force on the chess servers), was released today from jail. Hordes of reporters have been thronging his residence and we can expect another set of interviews, press releases, press conferences. Kasparov has chosen the United States media as his chosen voice, and it remains to be seen if he uses that weapon yet again. Earlier, Kasparov refused food and water fearing that it may be poisoned. So, it was a two-in-one. Hunger strike and safety from poison ! Kasparov used his knight fork yet again.

Anatoly Karpov was today denied a chance to visit Garry Kasparov in jail. Kasparov will be released on Thursday but it was a noble gesture by one ex-world champion towards another. Karpov openly agreed that he does not believe in Kasparov's political ideology, but that doesn't mean he can't be human enough. It is nice to see Karpov in the limelight these days. He is playing again and also doing something for social causes. Using one's clout never harmed anyone. Especially if it can benefit another by at least getting attention. Wonder what would have transpired between them if they had really met ! Gruenfeld or the Slav ? :-)