Against Chess Olympiad
The Chess Olympiad 1976 counter or " anti - Israel Olympiad " (English Chess Olympiad or Against Against Israel Olympiad ), was a nation tournament in chess, which until November 15, 1976 took place on 24 October in the Libyan capital Tripoli. The counter- Olympics, the implementation has been disapproved by the World Chess Federation FIDE was politically directed against Israel, where at the same time in Haifa, the official 22 Chess Olympiad was held.
Political background
Israel in 1976 provided for the second time as host of the Chess Olympiad. While this was not a problem at the Chess Olympiad 1964 in Tel Aviv sport still politically, this time many member federations of the FIDE against the decision to award the World Chess Federation appealed. This was due to the changed situation in the Middle East conflict that had occurred by the Six Day War in 1967 and Yom Kippur War in 1973. The military successes of Israel had caused anger in the Arab-Islamic world, which must be added the solidarity of the socialist countries came near.
Among the nations that boycotted the tournament in Haifa, were the Soviet Union as a record winner at the Chess Olympiads, the other socialist states and numerous countries of the Arab- Islamic world. Ultimately, participated in the Olympiad in Haifa, which was held from October 26 to November 10, 1976, only 48 men's and 23 women's teams participate.
Libya had taken the initiative to a simultaneous competition event, which was referred to in the program as a chess Olympiad counter ( "Against Chess Olympiad "). The driving force was the revolutionary leader Muammar al - Gaddafi, who ensured the organization of state funds from the oil-rich country. His hope that the Eastern Bloc countries would play held in Haifa in Tripoli, however not fulfilled; rather, it moved in front of it, even the "anti- Israel Olympics" stay away.
Participating countries
From the perspective of the host of the political success was limited. Few of the classical chess nations took part. The core of the 38 participants teams - including four with observer status - presented the Arab- Islamic states, but most were considered chess "developing countries".
From the West Portugal, Italy, the de facto was represented with a club team from Palermo, Malta and Turkey were represented. The Philippines posted next to Italy is the only country two teams to the parallel competitions in Haifa and Tripoli. This also applied to Uruguay, but was present a special case. The team was composed of political dissidents that had escaped the military dictatorship in their homeland.
Organization
Venue was the " Beach Hotel " in Tripoli. To encourage as many chess federations from poorer countries to arrival, the organizers offered generous financial conditions. For travel and accommodation the teams were no costs, the guests were even awarded a small daily fee. Each team a car and driver assistance was also provided.
In contrast to the Olympiad in Haifa was no need for a women's event. The tournament rules were in broad agreement with the provisions of the official Olympics. The teams played to four boards. Winner would be the team with the most points board. Played in 13 rounds Swiss system - just as in Haifa, where this tournament for the first time arrived at a Chess Olympiad apply.
Athletic History
From a sporting tournament, the country had little value in comparison with the regular chess Olympiads. Not a single grandmaster and very few international masters were among the participants.
The winner was a complete surprise, the team of El Salvador, which had not one of the favorites. The player to the then 17 -year-old later FIDE champion Boris Pineda took over on top board early in the standings and gave it does not let up until the end of the tournament. Tunisia won with the International Champion Slim Bouaziz on top board in second place, Pakistan was third. Libya hosts only finished 24 The mentioned team from Uruguay, which eventually finishing 17th, lost three fights - twelve games - because the players had appeared too late.
Aftereffect
The snubbed World Chess Federation appointed a commission to study the political aspects and the future member state of the " breakaway " organizations. Ultimately, a permanent split of the FIDE was averted, and the event was a sports policy episode.