Kasparov and the (almost) Oman immortal

Garry Kasparov gives an interview to the Oman press

MUSCAT: Russian chess legend and former world champion Garry Kasparov has urged the local authorities to form a strong national chess federation in Oman. 

Speaking to Times Sport in an interview yesterday, Kasparov, who is on a private visit to Muscat, said with Oman having quality chess players, it is essential for the authorities to promote the game in the country. 

"All the Arab, African and Asian countries have federations but with Oman having some quality players, it is quite surprising that they do not have a national federation for chess," said Kasparov, who played an exhibition match with 20 selected players from Oman. 

The 50-year-old, who came on the personal invitation of Alawi Al Zawawi, said such exhibition matches will give Omani players a platform to excel. 

Players of all ages played in the sumptuous area "These players never had an opportunity to play a strong League and these exhibition matches will certainly give a good push to the aspiring players," he pointed out. 

Kasparov stops for a think and then...

...gets down to study it properly."Last year when I met my friend Alawi, we discussed the idea of promoting the game in Oman and when I came here, I was excited to see the popularity of the game. I think this enthusiasm will push the authorities to form a federation very soon," he said. 

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The Times of Oman interviewed Garry Kasparov and shows images of the simul and his presentation

During his stay, one of the games from the simul stood out for a near brilliancy, and the only thing preventing it from taking place was that the player deviated and chose a less spectacular way to lose. He published it at his personal website, which is well worth a bookmark to stay up-to-date on what he is doing.

Garry went 19-0 in his simultaneous exhibition in Oman on January 3, 2014. A beautiful line from one game caught his mind’s eye, but unfortunately his young opponent, Emil Sebastian, chose to lose in a relatively uneventful way! Here is the commented game: