Anand v Karpov Rapid Match

You can say what you like about the legendary former world chess champion, Anatoly Karpov, but he doesn't duck a challenge.

After taking a severe beating in a recent match against his old nemesis, the supposedly retired Garry Kasparov, Karpov will now take on the current world champion Vishy Anand in a rapid match in Corsica.

The match is part of the Corsican Circuit, and the Anand v Karpov games will take place on 31 October in Bastia, and 2 November in Ajaccio.  The time control will be 15 mins plus a 3 second increment. Official website here.

In his youth Anand's first nickname was the "Lightning Kid" , due to his fast play, and although maturity has slowed him down a little, he is still a fearsome speed chess player.  Karpov will need to rekindle some of his old magic to stand a chance in the match.

Below is one of Karpov's wins in the 1998 FIDE World Championship final against Anand, which helped him win the title.