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Brains
in Bahrain
press release
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BRAINS
IN BAHRAIN EVENT POSTPONED
Match to be delayed until early 2002 in respect of the tragedy in USA
September 20, 2001
The Brains In Bahrain / Man vs Machine chess match - between the World
Chess Champion, Vladimir Kramnik, and the world's most powerful chess
computer, Deep Fritz - has today (Thursday 20th September) been postponed
in response to last week's terrorist attack on the United States.
Originally scheduled to take place in Bahrain during October, the match
is now being planned to take place in early 2002.
The decision to postpone the event was made by the match organisers -
the Brain Games Network and the Government of Bahrain - after full consultation
with the two teams and the broader chess fraternity.
"In light of last week's tragedy in the United States, we have decided
that it is both correct and necessary to postpone the Brains In Bahrain
/ Man vs Machine match until early 2002", commented Sir Jeremy Hanley,
Chairman, Brain Games Network. "Just as similar international events
throughout the Middle East and the rest of the world are being postponed,
we too felt that it would be inappropriate to proceed with the match during
a period of such concern and tragedy."
Shaikh Mohammed Bin Essa Al Khalifa, the President of the Bahraini Organisational
Committee, added: "This is a decision of both the heart and the head.
It is a mark of respect to the families and friends of those who have
died. It is also an acknowledgment of the anticipated disruption to normal
life over the coming months."
"We are, however, determined that the event will go ahead - and
are confident that we will be able to announce the details for the rescheduled
date on our website www.brainsinbahrain within the next two weeks."
January 5, 2002
Match director Raymond Keene today informed us that Yousuf Shirawi, the
organiser of the BGN Man-Machine Match in Bahrain, has contacted Vladimir
Kramnik asking for a postponement of the contest. Mr Shirawi has proposed
firm new dates between March 20th and June 30th, 2002.
Keene writes: "The Bahrain government has firmly committed itself
to hosting the match and providing the one million dollar prize fund.
Bahrain proposes that world champion Kramnik should choose the new dates
himself. The reasons cited are the ongoing difficulties experienced in
the period after September 11th, the need to maximise tv opportunities
and time available to practise with the chosen hardware."
Journalists with questions pertaining to the match should contact: John
Fioravanti, Hector Proud
or John Henderson. For
further information on the Man vs. Machine: http://www.brainsinbahrain.com/
