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LV Aircraft taxis in
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SV People with flowers waiting
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CU Anatoly Karpov leaves aircraft and is greeted by people including parents and then receives flowers (2 shots)
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CU Crowd watches Karpov climbs steps towards airport buildings (3 shots)
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Karpov has said he will return to competitive chess next Spring, but has made no comments on reports that he hopes to play the controversial former US World champion Bobby Fischer from whom he gained the title in 1975 when the American refused to defend the title after an argument over the proposed rules for the match. In the new controversy over the final match in the recent championship, Korchnoi, a resident of Switzerland since his defection, claims the Soviet delegation breached the contract by allowing a soviet psychologist, previously excluded by agreement from the proximity of the players in the championship hall, to return to the front rows. After his resignation, Korchnoi refused to sign the game's score sheet and boycotted the award ceremony in the Philippines.




Initials KB/1620


SPORT: CHESS

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Soviet grand chess master Anatoly Karpov has flown home to the Soviet Union to a heroes welcome, after retaining the world chess crown in the hard fought and protracted tournament against challenger Viktor Korchnoi in the Philippines mountain resort of Baguio City. But despite the jubilation, his victory is now being contested. Korchnoi has claimed the final game was invalid and the Swiss Chess Federation is to demand a replay.

SYNOPSIS: The tournament began in july and victory finally came for the young champion after his challenger, Soviet dissident Korchnoi, resigned during the 32nd game.

As Karpov's aircraft landed at Moscow airport, a heroes welcome awaited him. He was greeted by hundred of fans, journalists, officials of the Soviet Chess Association and his parents, sister and nephew.

With the gruelling months of the tournament now behind, him, Karpov is home to be feted a champion, despite the lingering controversy. He was to attend a Kremlin celebration at the weekend marking his victory and the 60th anniversary of the Young Communist League of which he is a member. Victory was uncertain until the very end. Both men and five games until Korchnoi's resignation during the 32nd game.

The championship had been controversial from the start. After resigning, Korchnoi has written to the referee claiming the final game was not valid and the Swiss Chess Federation has taken up his case.