Chess legend Kasparov rolls back the years in competitive return

St Louis

TWELVE years after trading chess for politics, Garry Kasparov proved on Monday that time hadn't dulled his edge as he battled to a draw three times with a fellow Russian half his age in the opening game of a keenly anticipated comeback.

The 54-year-old Kasparov, whose genius has left a wide mark on the history of chess, has briefly come out of retirement "kicking and fighting" to compete this week at the Rapid and Blitz tournament in St Louis. It remains to be seen whether he can beat a new generation of players or if he will instead pass the torch.