Carlsen and Kasparov join Karpov at fundraiser

Magnus Carlsen and Garry Kasparov where the top stars who joined Anatoly Karpov at the gala launch party of the "Karpov2010" FIDE Presidency campaign, last night at the Trump SoHo Hotel in New York City.

The fundraiser party was the official launch of the "Karpov2010" campaign. The 12th World Champion is running for FIDE President at the next Presidential elections in September 2010 in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

It was the first visit to New York City for world's number one Magnus Carlsen. According to the Karpov2010 website, he 'made it a memorable night for many who were eager to meet the hottest star in chess since, well, a few other guys in the room tonight.'

Local chess celebrities were also present, even with the US championship underway in St. Louis. Advisory Board member Rex Sinquefield and GM Maurice Ashley flew up just for the night so Ashley could be the master of ceremonies. Three-time US champion Lev Alburt was present as well, as were 2003 U.S. women’s champion Anna Hahn and the legendary Bill Lombardy.

But most importantly, the event was attended by a big number of potential supporters slash sponsors. The Karpov2010 website:

The list of Wall St. luminaries and business world movers and shakers who attended would fill half of Forbes Magazine. Pega Systems CEO Alan Trefler not only co-sponsored the event, but he also won one of the auction spots to play in consultation with Kasparov and Carlsen.

Trefler played with Kasparov against Carlsen and Boaz Weinstein.

All photos courtesy of the Karpov2010 website

Kasparov and Carlsen also played two blitz games simultaneously against winners of an auction to raise funds. One of Carlsen's opponents was IM Dean Ippolito, who held out longest but lost anyway. Here's a video of this part, with commentary by GM Maurice Ashley:

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