There is another piece by Mr. Lev Khariton at http://www.pakchess.com/ -
this time on the 25th anniversary of the Karpov-Korchnoi match in Baguio -
25 years ago!

Any comments?
Goran Tomic

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200 Words by Lev Khariton

July 1st, 2003




My readers, probably, remember my article “Yasha, My Friend…” (ChessPress
April 2002) on Yakov Murei, the Israeli-French grandmaster. I have known him
since the late 50s when we were just making our first steps into the chess
world in Moscow.

Yasha, a brilliant chess player and a most original chess thinker and
analyst, was Viktor Korchnoi’s second at the famous (or notorious?) match
between Korchnoi and Karpov in Baguio in 1978 – exactly 25 years ago!

Below are some of the highlights of Murei’s comments on that memorable event
that he shared with me years ago.

“The funny thing was that Tal, my idol in my chess childhood, was Karpov’s
second, and I was Korchnoi’s…Later I could never bring myself to forgive Tal
this sin…”

“In Baguio Karpov was scared of me. Upon making a move he used to look from
the stage at me, and I also looked straight into his eyes. He could not
stand my stare losing this psychological battle each time…”

“When I remember Baguio, I experience two feelings: delight and disgust. As
a chess professional I was overwhelmed with happiness to participate in this
historic event. But thinking about what was happening there behind the
scenes fills me up with bitterness and disgust. Too much hatred on both
sides…”

“Korchnoi lost the match because he was too much involved into extra-chess
activities. He should have focused only on chess, as Fischer had done
playing against Spassky in 1972…”

“Viktor was totally manipulated by Petra Leeuwerik. I understand that after
10 years of Stalin’s camps she hated the Soviets, but she had learnt so many
bad things from them. So, in Baguio she often insulted Korchnoi’s seconds,
she was putting too much pressure on everyone…”

“Before the decisive 32nd game I asked Viktor not to play the Pirc. “Please,
play the French! You haven’t lost a single French against Karpov in the two
matches!” Unfortunately, Keene, Stean and Petra were already giving
interviews anticipating Korchnoi’s victory…”

“After Korchnoi’s loss in the 32nd game I was crying. I wanted him so much
to become World Champion! I said to Petra: “Now, Viktor’s son may die in
Siberia” Her reply was shocking: “Let him die. Viktor left the USSR to live
his own life!” I told Korchnoi her words. Korchnoi would not budge saying:
“Well, I know her opinion…”

LEV KHARITON