1.
GV EXT Conference centre where matches are held.
0.03

2.
SV Anatoly Karpov leaving centre with entourage and walks into garden. (2 SHOTS)
0.32

3.
SV INT Viktor Korchnoi practising with British second Raymond Keane.
0.50

4.
SV Michael Stean operating computer. (2 SHOTS)
1.04

5.
SV Korchnoi and keane discuss play.
1.49



Initials JS/2300


SPORT: CHESS

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In the Philippines, champion Anatoly Karpov and challenger Viktor Korchnoi on Tuesday (25 July) agreed to a draw in the fourth game of the World Chess Championship. In only nineteen moves of a fairly dull game, Karpov, who theoretically had the advantage, failed to pierce Korchnoi's opening plan. He offered a draw after some 90 minutes of play.

SYNOPSIS: The championships in Baguio City's conference centre have not attracted large crowds, and the organizers have dropped the ticket prices to a fraction of the amount charged on the opening day. When the match started, the experts were saying that Karpov, with youth on his side, would probably beat the older challenger. When they played in 1974, Karpov won narrowly three-two.

Now that the first games have ended in draws, experts are less willing to predict an outcome. And Korchnoi, who defected from the Soviet Union two years ago, is being helped by two British chess experts and a computer.

Michael Stean, one of Korchnoi's seconds, says the computer is acceptable under international chess rules, and does not give the challenger an unfair advantage. Using it, Korchnoi can review a game to see where he went right or wrong.

Stean and the other British expert, Raymond Keane, analyse Korchnoi's play and then offer their advice on strategy. However, they admit that Korchnoi is a much better player and could well reject their suggestions.

Korchnoi has lost a lot of the nervousness he showed during the pre-match bickering between the rival champs. But, at this level, and with a 350,000 Dollar (192,000 Pounds) prize for the winner, chess s an exhausting business. The match could last for some months.