The World Chess Championship 1986, played between Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov, was held in London and Leningrad from July 28 to October 8. Garry Kasparov, representing the Soviet Union, narrowly defended his title with a 12½–11½ victory in the 24-game match. Despite Kasparov’s early lead, Karpov staged a strong comeback, equalizing the score before Kasparov’s pivotal win in game 22 secured his championship. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ceremonially oversaw the color selection, adding prominence to the event, which also marked the centennial of the first recognized chess world championship. This was the first Soviet world championship match partly held outside the USSR.
