The young hybrid sport of chessboxing requires not only a keen mind, but a good uppercut, although either a checkmate or knockout can win a match.
The game's rules call for 11 timed rounds, six of four minutes of chess and five of two minutes of boxing. A one-minute pause between rounds allows opponents to slip on and off gloves and for the chessboard to be moved in and out of the ring. If all is equal on the chessboard and the boxing scorecard after the 11 rounds, according to the rules, "the opponent with the black pieces wins."
The game was invented by Dutchman Iepe Rubingh, who founded the World Chess Boxing Organization. It had its first European tournament in Berlin in October, and 500 fans showed up to witness Bulgarian Tihomir "Tigertad" Titschko become the champion.
The Los Angeles Times said Rubingh believes the hybrid sport has great potential.
"It's all about control over your physical and mental being," he said. "The adrenalin rush in boxing must be lowered to concentrate on chess strategy."
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
