APRIL 21, 2001

Bahrain chooses chess but F1 is still in mind

BAHRAIN, the Gulf emirate which is hoping to hold a Grand Prix in the next few years, is continuing its policy of presenting the world with a new image and has hit on the idea of a man versus machine chess competition as it latest publicity stunt.

BAHRAIN, the Gulf emirate which is hoping to hold a Grand Prix in the next few years, is continuing its policy of presenting the world with a new image and has hit on the idea of a man versus machine chess competition as it latest publicity stunt. If all goes to plan British chess promoter Brain Games Network Plc will host a showdown between Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik will take on the winner of a chess competition between computers which is currently being played in Spain. Kramnik has already beaten a computer called Deep Junior, but the big challenge remains to beat the well-known IBM "Deep Blue" which is currently considered to be the best chess-playing machine in existence.

Bahrain is in negotiations for a Grand Prix but faces opposition from nearby rival Dubai.