Battle of the Legends: Garry Kasparov vs. Nigel Short

[Martin Crichton]

Anyone that missed the live broadcast of the exibition (I suspect a lot of people) have missed one of the greatest spectacles of chess ever transmitted IMHO

Only the advancement in IT and media technology has made this possible (no comparision the the demolition job (5.5 - 0.5) that GK did to Tony Miles in the 80's )

The sheer intensity of the chess monstor known as Garry Kasparov ... all the facial expressions of the two protagonists... the unbelievable colourful commentry from the 2 American chess commentators. The often snide and trolling but often funny comments from fans and others that were blogging live. The sudden reactions of the players (mostly Nigel) when unexpected moves were made...eg g4 in the KIA v Nigels French.(He jumped up in his seat) The absolute dejection in Nigels face at the end of the match. The post match interviews. The ongoing computer analysis that often could not keep up (and often Garry's moves were not even computed but when they were played the stockfish engine suddenly recognises them as good and great moves)

The intensity of GK jumping up a second after each game and grabbing his jacket to walk out to the hall to clear his mind while poor Nigel sat shell shocked in his chair at the board contemplating where it all went wrong)

some of the bloggers comments....someone must stay with Nigel tonight...no seriously...they must!

And in Nigels defence only Nigel could have made it such an entertaining spectacle because he is so well known and still a decent player. There would not have been as much interest if Kasparov had chosen any other English GM eg Adams (because the result would still have been the same with a similar margin IMO except the games would have been a lot duller)

[Angus French]

I watched some of the second day games. It reminded me of World of Sport wrestling with Garry performing lots of powerslams and Nigel in need of a tag partner.

[John McKenna]

Hulk Hogan v. Mick McManus?

Sorry for Nigel, he bought it on himself - I admire his defatigableness in away.

As a tag man others have suggested Anand or Kramnik. I'd like to propose Topalov.

Which 'vet' would you like to see Kasparov take on next, please?

[Chris Rice]

Thought Nigel Short took the defeat quite well remarking on Kasparov "He's the greatest player in chess history, in my opinion. He had a much longer reign than Bobby Fischer. Bobby probably burnt brighter for a short period of time but Garry just went on winning and winning for many, many years.”

Martin's remarks above did make me wonder as to what score Kasparov might have got in Shamkir if he had played. Are we really to assume he is a top five player on the basis that he beat a jet-lagged 50 year old who was the world number 64 at the start of the match in rapid and blitz when it appeared Nigel had never played on the increment at this type of chess? Would Kasparov even want to come back? Perhaps only Kasparov himself would know so I was very interested to see Peter Doggers report:

The obvious question on everyone's mind is how Kasparov would fare in current top level chess. He said himself that Carlen and other top players are in “a different league.” “Maybe in blitz I can resist," said Kasparov. "I will still probably be losing, but in blitz maybe I can resist. In rapid no way because it's just too much pressure.“If I play a blitz tournament with the top 10 definitely I will not be the last one. I doubt very much if I could fight with Magnus, or Caruana or Aronian these days. But definitely I would give them a good fight for their money!”

Perhaps no return then. But notice how he didn't mention Anand, Nakmura or So? Perhaps he fancies his chances against these guys? Just think a blitz tournament with the world top 10 plus Kasparov, surely there would be someone willing to sponsor that and I wonder where Kasparov would finish?

http://www.chess.com/news/5-0-sweep-for ... d-day-7757

[John McKenna]

Chris Rice>... Just think a blitz tournament with the world top 10 plus Kasparov, surely there would be someone willing to sponsor that and I wonder where Kasparov would finish?<

Well, he'd be bound to finish in a higher place than John Nunn did in his own birthday blitz.

http://en.chessbase.com/post/john-nunn- ... hday-blitz

Edit: A belated happy birthday to the "Doctor" I will never forget 1989 - he finished sixth in the inaugural 'World Cup', a series of tournaments in which the top 25 players in the world competed.

[Jon Mahony]

Wow Jonathan Mestel has changed since the 80's!

[Brian Towers]

Wow Jonathan Mestel has changed since the 80's!

Yes, you can take being an egghead to extremes !

[Jon Mahony]

Wow Jonathan Mestel has changed since the 80's!

Yes, you can take being an egghead to extremes !

Indeed!