Garry Kasparov announces the formation of the World Chess Council (WCC). Humorously, the world's chess media later dubs WCC as standing for 'World Championship Cancelled', when a succession of sponsorship deals fall by the wayside.
Following Anand's refusal to play, the WCC Candidates match is held in Spain between substitute Alexei Shirov and Vladimir Kramnik. Shirov wins the contest 5½-3½, but there is no financial reward, only the belief that the winner goes on to play against Kasparov for the world title. However, following the loss of sponsorship, the title match is cancelled and Shirov is left with nothing. Meanwhile, Kasparov invites a challenge from Anand, as world No.2 in the ratings, instead.
Victory at the 60th (Hoogovens) Corus chess tournament, Wijk aan Zee is shared by Anand and Kramnik (8½/11). Karpov can only manage a 50% score.
The 33rd Chess Olympiad is held in Elista, Kalmykia. Russia wins gold; USA wins silver and Ukraine wins bronze on tie-break from Israel. 110 teams participate, comprising 634 players (including 171 GMs, 135 IMs and 58 FMs). The Women's event is won by China, ahead of Russia and Georgia.
The PCA publishes its own rating list: Kasparov - 2825; Anand - 2775; Kramnik - 2758 ...
Kasparov and Veselin Topalov play out a 3-3 draw in an Advanced Chess match; the players are allowed to use a computer to access databases and for analysis purposes.
Kasparov and Kramnik play a 24-game blitz (5 minute) match at the Cosmos Hotel in Moscow. The match, spread over two days and broadcast 'pay per view' on ICC, is drawn 12-12.[1]
