Karpov

A sprawling adjacent plot of untouched grass, which city council head Andriy Karpov told Reuters could be used if necessary, is a macabre reminder of the deaths still likely to come.

Mr. Karpov has been a loyal defender of Russia’s president, Vladimir V. Putin, and the invasion of Ukraine.

The 75th edition of the Russian Chess Championship was a much-depleted affair, especially compared to the golden age when you could find a Tal, a Spassky, a Karpov or a Kasparov in the field.

In 1978, world championship challenger Viktor Korchnoi's entourage accused champion Anatoly Karpov's team of cheating by sending their player a blueberry yoghurt.

“I had no idea why Fischer refused to defend his title,” Karpov later said, somewhat coldly.