Match to be delayed until early 2002 in respect of the tragedy in USA

The Brains In Bahrain / Man vs Machine chess match – between the World Chess Champion, Vladimir Kramnik, and the world’s most powerful chess computer, Deep Fritz – has today (Wednesday 19thSeptember) been postponed in response to last week’s terrorist attack on the United States. Originally scheduled to take place in Bahrain during October, the match is now being planned to take place in early 2002.The decision to postpone the event was made by the match organisers – the Brain Games Network and the Government of Bahrain – after full consultation with the two teams and the broader chess fraternity. .“In light of last week’s tragedy in the United States, we have decided that it is both correct and necessary to postpone the Brains In Bahrain / Man vs Machine match until early 2002”, commented Sir Jeremy Hanley, Chairman, Brain Games Network. “Just as similar international events throughout the Middle East and the rest of the world are being postponed, we too felt that it would be inappropriate to proceed with the match during a period of such concern and tragedy.” Shaikh Mohammed Bin Essa Al Khalifa, the President of the Bahraini Organisational Committee, added: “This is a decision of both the heart and the head. It is a mark of respect to the families and friends of those who have died. It is also an acknowledgment of the anticipated disruption to normal life over the coming months.” “We are, however, determined that the event will go ahead – and are confident that we will be able to announce the details for the rescheduled date on our website www.brainsinbahrain.com within the next two weeks.”