Gata Kamsky, the first American since Bobby Fischer to challenge for a world chess title, took on Anatoly Karpov on Thursday in the opening game of a disputed championship relegated to the Russian hinterland.
Karpov, the Russian who held the undisputed world crown for a decade until Garry Kasparov dethroned him in 1985, is defending his World Chess Federation title at the unlikely venue of Elista, a southern city of 100,000 people.He won the right to play white and made the first move Thursday in the first of a scheduled 20-game championship being sponsored by the struggling federation, which is known by its French acronym FIDE.
But all eyes were on Kamsky, a 22-year-old Russian emigre from New York City, and his volatile father and coach. Kamsky, who like his opponent is a patient, technically proficient player, won the U.S. title at 16 and was raised by his iron-willed father for this moment - a chance to be world champion.
Rustam Kamsky caused a stir on the eve of the match, engaging in a shouting match with Karpov's side in last-minute haggling over the rules.
FIDE has been fighting for credibility and survival since Kasparov helped launch the breakaway Professional Chess Association three years ago.