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Garry Kasparov hired as chess trainer for Magnus Carlsen

September 7, 9:32 AMChess ExaminerSteve Goldberg
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Former world champion Garry Kasparov;  photo: ChessBase

On the worldwide chess stage, 18-year-old Magnus Carlsen has long been the prodigy many felt will soon ascend to the ultimate title of world champion. He always hovers near the #1 world rating position, and is presently ranked #4 in the world.

According to a remarkable report at ChessBase, Carlsen, pictured above, has retained former world champion Garry Kasparov as his personal trainer. Here is an excerpt:

In complete secrecy chess star Magnus Carlsen, 18, has engaged the history's greatest chess player, Garry Kasparov, as a personal trainer. The goal is to make the Norwegian, who currently ranks as the fourth-best chess player in the world, the world's best during the course of the coming year. In addition, Magnus Carlsen of Lommedalen will be built up to become the strongest brand in international chess.

"You will not find a bigger name than Kasparov," says former Carlsen mentor GM Simen Agdestein, "nor a more competent coach." When Kasparov retired in 2005 he had been an undisputed world number one from 1985 to 2000.

The collaboration, which until now has been kept secret, has been under way for six months, confirms Magnus Carlsen himself. He will not reveal what the training program costs, but confirms that it is expensive.

Now the former director of the Hjemmet Mortensen, Espen Agdestein, is working full time to find sponsors for Carlsen. "This is the king training his crown prince," said Espen Agdestein. "While Kasparov is a living legend, Carlsen is the biggest attraction that exists in the chess world today. This is the Dream Team."

How often do you see Kasparov (left, above) not wearing a suit?

For more info: See the ChessBase site. The personal website of Magnus Carlsen is not yet commenting on this report. UPDATE: Mig Greengard's Daily Dirt blog now has additional information about the Kasparov-Carlsen team. There is also now a ChessVibes interview with Carlsen.
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