KASPAROV FACTFILE

* Born on April 13, 1963 in Baku, Capital of Azerbaijan.

* Learnt to play chess at the age of five from father, who died two years later.

* At 12, legally changed name from Gari Weinstien to Garry Kasparov, a Russian version of Kasparian, mother's maiden name.

* In the Young Pioneers event at Leningrad, as a 12-year-old, drew with two Grandmasters including Victor Korchnoi. This made former World champion and his mentor Mikhail Botvinnik say, "In the hands of this young man lies the future of chess."

* Two months later, became the Russian junior (under-18) champion despite being the youngest competitor.

* Travelled to Europe for the first time to play in the World junior championship in Lille, France. Finished third.

* Defended USSR junior title in Riga with a score of 8.5/9. A record that still stands.

* In 1978, won the Sokolsky memorial title in Minsk ahead of 14 rated players. Defeated his first GM rival, Lutikov and went on to become an International Master by scoring 3.5 points more than what was needed.

* In April 1979, as an unrated 16-year-old, won the Banja Luka tournament and made his second GM norm.

* Three months later, gained his first FIDE rating, that too, a whopping 2545.

* In April 1980, became a Grandmaster by winning the USSR Central Chess Club International Tournament in Baku. Strongest GM at 17 after Bobby Fischer.

* In 1981, became the Soviet champion jointly with Lev Psakhis.

* In 1982, won the Moscow inter-zonal 1.5 points ahead of Alexander Beliavsky.

* In 1983, defeated Beliavsky in the Candidates quarterfinals, Victor Korchnoi in the semifinals and Vasily Smyslov in the final.

* In September 1984, the World championship match with defending champion Anatoly Karpov started. But after 48 matches spread over six months, it was abandoned with Karpov leading 5-3.

* Between September 1 and November 9, 1985, played and won the 24-game rematch 13-11 to become the youngest World champion at the age of 22 years and 210 days.

* In 1986, came back from three consecutive losses to Karpov and retained the World title with a score of 12.5-11.5.

* In 1987, won the last game against challenger Karpov to level the match 12-12 and keep the World title for three years.

* In 1989, became the first player to touch 2800 rating points.

* In 1990, defeated Karpov 12.5-11.5 to once again retain World title. Continued to win major titles around the world.

* In 1993, formed Professional Chess Association, and organised the match with new challenger Nigel Short. Won the World title match 12.7-7.5. Both players thrown out of FIDE.

* In 1995, defeated Viswanathan Anand 10.5-7.5 to retain the World crown in New York.

* Defeated super computer Deep Junior 4-2 in 1996. Towards the end of the year, the PCA collapsed after main supporter Intel pulled out.

* In 1997, lost to new Deep Junior 2.5-3.5.

* In 1998, played Veselin Topalov in the first Advanced Chess match where players were assisted by computers.

* In 2000, lost the World title to Vladimir Kramnik after failing to win a single game. Kramnik won 8.5-6.5 with one game to spare.

* Reached a career high rating of 2852.

* Between 2001 and 2004, lost too many rating points due to his inability to continue his domination. Kramnik and Anand closed the gap in rating.

* In 2004, won the tough Russian championship and showed to the chess world that he was second to none in tournament play.

* In 2005, won the prestigious City of Linares chess tournament for the ninth time since 1990 and announced his retirement.