By Arvind Aaron
A controversy has erupted in the Dutch Chess Championship with
the sensational inclusion of the computer programme Fritz as one
of the participants. In the drawing of lots made on Saturday (May 6),
the computer programme will face GM Jeroen Piket, one of the
favourites in the opening round on Sunday (May 7) at Rotterdam.
Former world championship candidate GM Paul Van der Sterren, who
won the Dutch championship in 1985 and 1993 has refused to play
the computer and will receive a zero by default in the tenth
round. He was also absent for the brief opening ceremony on
Saturday.
The Dutch Chess Federation perhaps becomes the first nation to
allow a computer to participate in the National championship to
stimulate interest and inject sponsorships. Fritz, a former world
computer champion will be operated by its creator, Mr Frans
Morsch. Thus, Fritz which will play under Fritz SSS* is estimated
at Elo 2640 will make a controversial entry into a national
championship and can become the Dutch Chess Champion. Although in
case of a tie with a human for the title, the title will be
awarded to the one with `flesh and blood' according to an
official press release. Fritz will not have access to its endgame
module which has been analysed till mate with all positions of
six pieces and less.
Due to the participation of Fritz and abolishment of appearance
fee, the prize fund has a record 166,250 guilders (about Rs.29
lakhs) with a first prize of 40,000 guilders. Eight of the 12
participants are grandmasters and the round robin begins on
Sunday.
In another notable inclusion, Russian GM Sergey Tiviakov will
play his first Dutch championship while defending Dutch champion
Predrag Nikolic who continues to represent Bosnia has been
stopped from competing.