It’s the end of classical chess as we know it (and I feel fine)
Alexander Grischuk was the focus of controversy over the recent Candidates Matches. His route to the final, winning no classical games and sometimes agreeing to short draws with White, seemed to highlight the format’s problems. Grischuk himself, however, welcomed the difficult times for classical chess.
GM Levon Aronian answers your questions: Part I
From his answer to the very first question on why people play chess, it was clear that Levon Aronian’s Q&A at Crestbook was going to be an entertaining read: “For pleasure, peace of mind and the moral torture of their neighbour”. Sharp and funny, the Armenian GM lifts the lid on life at the top of the chess pyramid.
Grischuk and Aronian’s views on their match
Although the tournament favourite was knocked out, Aronian and Grischuk’s tie-break was somewhat overshadowed by events in the other match. In fact, it turned out afterwards that the players had been disturbed by the “bam-bam-bam” of Kramnik and Radjabov playing blitz!
Shipov’s live commentary on Candidates QF, Game 3
In his introduction to Gata Kamsky – Veselin Topalov, Sergey Shipov compared the American grandmaster to ex-World Champion Anatoly Karpov, who was also able to play a tournament immediately before a vital match. Karpov-like defensive qualities were also in evidence as Topalov failed to hit back.
Shipov’s live commentary on Candidates QF, Game 1
For his first live commentary from the Candidates Matches in Kazan, GM Sergey Shipov described what was undoubtedly the game of the day: Levon Aronian – Alexander Grischuk. What looked like a sure win for the Armenian favourite ended in an enthralling Houdini-like save by the Russian.
Vassily Ivanchuk: “I’m a very ambitious person”
Few would identify emotional outbursts as the quality to borrow from Garry Kasparov, but then Vassily Ivanchuk has always stood out from the crowd. In a long and fascinating interview he again displays the self-awareness and deliberate strategy that often lie behind his apparent eccentricities.
Vladimir Potkin on chess coaching and cheating
In an interview given after becoming European Individual Champion, Vladimir Potkin talks about how he won, what it means for his “day job” of coaching Ian Nepomniachtchi, and gives his view on the cheating scandal that was the talk of the town in Aix-les-Bains.
Birth of a Supernova: Vasiliev reports from Wijk aan Zee
Hikaru Nakamura’s tournament victory was described as “the birth of a supernova” by Yury Vasiliev in two final reports from the Tata Steel 2011 Tournament. The Russian journalist was on the ground in Wijk aan Zee to provide photo reports and comments from players and observers throughout the event.
Your questions for GM Levon Aronian
Levon Aronian is one of a kind – not only a phenomenally gifted chess player, but also a colourful and quirky character. Who better, then, to subject to a “people’s interview” as part of the Crestbook “KC-Conference” project? Seize the chance to ask him your own questions today!
Shipov’s live commentary on Candidates QF, Game 4
By mishanp on May 8, 2011
It had all looked so good for Veselin Topalov in his must-win game against Gata Kamsky. He unleashed not one, but two novelties, upped the pressure until his opponent cracked in time trouble, and then… and then a ‘real chess drama’, as GM Sergey Shipov described it, unfolded before our eyes.
Posted in Live commentary, Russian | Tagged Aronian, Candidates Matches, Crestbook, Gelfand, Grischuk, Kamsky, Kramnik, Mamedyarov, Radjabov, Shipov, Topalov | Leave a response