Anatoly Karpov

Full Name: Anatoly Yevgenyevich Karpov
Profession: Chess Grandmaster

Nationality:

Biography: Anatoly Karpov became a grandmaster in 1970 after attending Mikhail Botvinnik's chess school and winning a series of tournament as a teenager including the 1969 World Junior Championship.

In 1974 he won the Candidates Matches tournament allowing him to challenge world champion Bobby Fischer. Fischer refused to play by the agreed terms and forfeited his title. In 1975 Karpov was named world champion without playing a match. Karpov went on to prove his world No. 1 status, defending his title in 1978 and 1981.

Karpov's rivalry with fellow Russian Garry Kasparov began at the 1984 World Chess Championships. Their match lasted a record five months before it was called off. At their rematch Karpov lost the final game to lose the title. Karpov and Kasparov met again in 1986, 1987, and 1990 with Kasparoiv winning by a narrow margin each time.

In 1993 Karpov regained the world title after Kasparov refused to play to FIDE conditions, defending it in 1996 and 1998. He resigned from the title in 1999, preferring to concentrate on rapid chess events and exhibitions.

Born: May 23, 1951
Birthplace: Zlatoust, Russia, Soviet Union
Age: 72 years old

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Gemini