Manuel, who is originally from Zaandam not far from Wijk aan Zee, is an experienced, veteran IM. He took part in 7 Dutch championships and participated in Corus 5 times – the latest in 2005 where he finished with a disappointing 5/13 points. He is a blitz and bullet chess specialist who scores well above his expectation in speed events, and is most remembered in Corus for his sensational win with the black pieces over Garry Kasparov in the 1999 blitz tournament.

After a few mediocre chess years where his rating dropped nearly 100 points, he seemed to have regained his true form, and is en route to re-raising his rating above 2400. He plays in a very dynamic and aggressive style, and many of his games in the last few months have been published - much to the liking of his chess fans. Bosboom is at the final stage of qualifying for the Dutch championship final: he won his first matches and now has to play GM Werle – scheduled to be played a week before Corus begins, for the ticket in.

If this success goes on, the audience in Corus can expect some very exciting games from the Dutchman.