Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Twelve leading grandmasters will show their worth in a chess grand prix to be held in Tashkent in September 2012. The news comes in the wake of the friendly rapid match between two chess greats – the reigning world champion Vishvanathan Anand of India and the 17th world champion Rustam Kasimjanov of Uzbekistan – organized by the Fund Forum and Uzbekistan Chess Federation. The chess events held on 26 to 29 March in Tashkent include a press conference, the friendly rapid match and training (simultaneous) games for junior chess players.

The bulk of the questions at the press conference, held the day before the rapid match, focused on the two grandmasters’ professional activities. More specifically, Anand, who is also known as the “Tiger from Chennai”, tried to explain issues related to constant changes to FIDE rules which, one of the journalists believes, have led to disagreements. Questions also sought to shed light on the professional relationship between the two chess players who have locked horns in previous championships and were again to pit their wits against each other the following day in Tashkent. Anand and Kasimjanov made highly complimentary comments about each other.

“I have known Rustam Kasimjanov for quite a long time,” Anand said. “We have had several chess encounters. We have met four times at a chess desk as opponents. Rustam is not just an excellent player; he has a big future. Considering his exceptional skills, I believe he will become a champion again.”

Kasimjanov, in turn, said Anand is stronger given that he had emerged triumphant in the bulk of the chess battles between them. “Vishvanathan is, of course, a modest man. In fact, he has come out a winner in most of the chess encounters between us two because he is an exceptional player whose moves are hard to predict. He has been crowned world champion three times, and I believe he will retain his title at the upcoming championship. I have learned a lot from him and I’m sure there’s still a lot I will learn from him,” Kasimjanov said.

At a press conference organized by Uzbekistan-India Friendship Society, Anand and Kasimjanov were honored with diplomas for contributions to the development of friendship between the two countries. The Indian grandmaster’s fans from Samarkand presented him with two patir flatbreads and exquisite national decorations.

The following day the Intercontinental Hotel played host to the friendly rapid match consisting of four games between the two champions. The match was preceded by an official ceremony with officials of the organizers and guests, including FIDE president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, an avid chess fan and experienced player himself, who noted in his speech that chess receives considerable support in Uzbekistan at governmental and public levels.

The game came with many surprises. Notably, Kasimjanov has traditionally shone in rapid matches. Therefore, his legion of fans believed he would win the match. Although Kasimjanov started off with confidence, Anand’s recognized mastery, which Kasimjanov had evoked at the press conference, could not be underestimated. The audience and journalists even surmised the match would end in a draw.

The first game resulted in a draw indeed. However, the ensuing three games showed Anand deserved his throne. In what looked intriguing, as Kasimjanov seemed poised to deal a powerful attack, Anand would trap and beat his opponent.

Although Kasimjanov did not win the match, he didn’t let that dampen his spirits. Rather, the game came as another big chess lesson for him as, upon the end of the match, Anand discussed the last game with Kasimjanov, pointing out the mistakes he had made.

An interval between the games included a small press conference with Kirsan Ilyumzhinov where the FIDE president shared his thoughts with journalists. “It’s remarkable that children’s sports receive so much attention and care in Uzbekistan. I’m happy that chess also gets a lot of support, and that means that the country takes care of its rising generation. The Fund Forum’s efforts and its youth-oriented and sporting projects cannot be overestimated,” he said.

At the closing ceremony of the friendly match, Professor Gulnara Karimova, the chairperson of the Fund Forum’s Board of Trustees, thanked the two grandmasters. She went on to note that the Fund Forum does not just work with the youth but also lives with them and that the Fund Forum has become a home for the youth. In what came as stunning news, Karimova announced that in September 2012 Tashkent will host a chess grand prix, which will feature the world’s twelve foremost grandmasters.