*Investbanka* tournament in 1989 - Kasparov over 2800!
*Investbanka* tournament in Belgrade, The Capital of Serbia, *Yugoslavia* at a time, in 1989, been the most attractive gathering of chess players that year. World Champion Kasparov arrived with the specific goal - to achieve rating higher than 2800 which would be one of the most significant not just chess, but sport achievements of the decade. It was the year of big changes in Europe, and Kasparov, as a messenger of new wave from the East without communistic rule had historic role. Role that belonged to him, no matter of his personal thoughts and feelings. Never the less, his statements been full of optimism, talking about new era after fall of Berlin Wall.
Kasparov had strong intention to prove himself in front of an audience, although viewers in the *Blue Hall* of Belgrade *Sava Center*, watching tournament games were wondering from time to time- what World Champion needs to prove, where is the final border!? But Kasparov still hadn`t defeat Karpov in the match with the huge margin, the last match between two before *Investbanka `89* tournament ended up in Seville, Spain 12 - 12. And although everybody but Karpov took place in the tournament, Kasparov had motive. During the tournament Karpov would visit Belgrade actually, for a day or two, all he had to say - *First I need to pass Timman, and then we will see*
From the private archive. Book about *Investbanka `89* tournament with the dedication of one of the organizers.
List of players been magnificent. Beside guests - Kasparov, Timman, Ehlvest, Yusupov, Hjartarsson, Agdestein, Short, the best domestic players been present - Ljubojevic, Nikolic, Damljanovic, Popovic, Kozul . Among Belgrade audience comment could be heard that *Only Agdestein could attract bigger attention then Kasparov himself*. Having in mind that Norwegian Grandmaster and the future coach of Carlsen was also performed for the national soccer team of his country. Unique achievement in sport!
From the very beginning it was obvious that it would be only a few *Grandmaster draws*. Everyone among participants had a motive of his own. Beside Kasparov`s *2800+* goal, Timman wanted to check form before match against Karpov, match to create challenger against Kasparov in the upcoming match for the World throne, *Young guard* of domestic players, Popovic, Kozul, Damljanovic were giving statements they arrived to learn. They didnt deny though, they were ready to take a few precious *Scalps* as well. Domestic audience were hoping Ljubojevic could win even, but after defeat against Short, traditionally unpleasant to him, it was clear that *Misconceptions sing the most beautifully*. In direct clash against Kasparov, Ljubojevic lost also. After the game he gave comment, *Before making critical move I was thinking for 40 minutes. And then I ruled out an initial idea, made a move with my pawn on f5 instead - after 10 seconds of thinking. And move was mistake* But even Ljubojevic at his best, no matter how skillful couldnt challenge Kasparov in *Investbanka `89* tournament. Those were Kasparov days, his era, Hjartarsson was talking that Kasparov`s opponents are suffering from *Fischer Syndrome*, because of the fear they were making mistakes during the game they wouldnt make against someone else but against the World Champion. Maybe it was a bit harsh towards top players in the World, nobody been taken into the hospital, after all. Kasparov been determined, yes, he was entering playing hall with determined step. And his pieces on the board been full of pulsating energy, here it is how one of the chronicles is describing atmosphere in the playing hall...
*Champion was throwing fire from all possible weapons towards opponents - Rooks been throwing fire, then Knights, Bishops... And like a demon, Queen was flying over the board, attacking the fortress to surround King of the opponent. In analyze hall of *Sava Center* - even Grandmasters couldnt been able to follow the ideas of the Champion. Grandmaster Sahovic was yelling - *Is it possible!?**
What chronicle doesnt describe, but what remained in the memory of the visitor of *Investbanka `89* tournament - that sometimes Kasparov after the game been in a mood to go to the analyze room for a while, to show to the journalists and visitors own ideas and intentions that led him through out the just finished game. But sometimes it did happen that audience wanted to explain some things to him, instead he to explain game to the audience.
Before the last round. Kasparov already been over the magic line of 2800 rating points, so main question in the air been - will he offer a draw to Predrag Nikolic, and dedicate himself to the press then. Not just to the chess press, but to magazines of all sorts, impatiently who were waiting for an interview. To ask, like *Playboy* already had asked, for example, about earnings, women, politics... But coach of Kasparov, Vladimir Dvorkovich been clear as clear sky it is, *Gary doesnt appreciate *Saloon draw* as a result. It could be achieved even before the game* Kasparov attacked Nikolic, won, finished tournament with 9,5 points out of 11, in front of Timman and Ehlvest with 6,5...
Sometimes comment isnt required.
In creation of blog segments from the book *2800 - historic jump of Kasparov* by Branislav Rakic and Ljubisa Stojiljkovic been used.
