Alexander Morozevich hatte schon
anlässlich des Wettkampfes Russland gegen den Rest der Welt in einem Interview
mit ChessBase Magazin angekündigt, dass er sich vom Spitzenschach zurückziehen will. Er will zwar Einladungen auch zu Top-Turnieren annehmen, zur
richtig ernsthaften Arbeit fehle ihm aber die Motivation, ausgelöst durch das
völlige organisatorische Durcheinander im Spitzenschach, besonders das
Verschwinden einer eindeutigen Regelung bezgl. der Vergabe des
Weltmeistertitels. In einem Interview mit dem Pressechef des Bieler
Schachfestivals, Oliver Breisacher, wiederholte er seine Äußerungen.
Auch Vishy Anand hat sich zum
wiederholten Male unzufrieden mit der Situation des Spitzenschachs und dem
schleppenden Verlauf des Wiedervereinigungsprozesses geäußert. Zuletzt in einem
aktuellen Interview mit Hartmut Metz anlässlich der anstehenden Chess Classics in
Mainz.
Alexander Morozevich (Ausschnitte in
deutscher Übersetzung):
...
"Angesichts fehlender Aussichten in
der Schachwelt bin ich es Leid. Welche Ziele könnte ein Profi haben? Es gibt
kein klares System mehr, keinen klaren Zyklus zur Durchführung der
Weltmeisterschaften und deshalb keine Möglichkeit für die Spitzenspieler, um den
Weltmeistertitel zu spielen. Ich sehe keine innovativen Ideen, um diesen
Missstand zu beheben."
...
"Ich glaube nicht an die
Wiedervereinigung. Das ist alles Schwindel. Es geht nur ums Geld. Einige Spieler
werden Geld verdienen und dann geht das Durcheinander weiter. Wir sehen eine
Situation, wo einige Spieler sich außerhalb der Fide begeben, dort Geld
verdienen und dann zurückkehren, um noch mehr Geld zu verdienen. Sie machen nur
Geschäfte, während andere herumsitzen und sich das anschauen."
...
"Was wir wirklich brauchen, ist ein
anständiges System zur Durchführung von Weltmeisterschaften und Strukturen, die
es den besten Spielern erlauben, um den Titel zu kämpfen."
Vollständiges Interview (in
englischer Sprache) auf der Seite des
Schachfestivals Biel...
Vishy Anand (Ausschnitte in
Übersetzung):
"Politik ist Bestandteil des Schach
seit 1993, soweit ich mich erinnere. ... Die Situation ist ein komplettes
Durcheinander. Die Schachwelt kann so nicht weiter machen. Die letzten drei
Jahre waren ein Zirkus. Wir hoffen alle auf die Vereinigung."
...
"Angesichts der allgemeinen
ökonomischen Lage ist es schwierig Sponsoren zu finden und die Leute versuchen
trotzdem drei Weltmeisterkämpfe durchzuführen. Das Resultat ist, das du nicht
eine einzige vermarktbare Person hast."
"Eine faire Chance für jeden, um den
Titel zu spielen wären ein guter Anfang. Zur Zeit sind aber alle, außer vier
Spielern, ausgeschlossen. Im Moment haben wir zu viele Vorschläge und keine
Taten."
Vollständiges Interview
Abdruck mit freundlicher Genehmigung von
ChessTigers...
Stop the Circus!
Former FIDE World Champion Viswanathan
Anand: “The chess world can’t go on like this”
Former FIDE chess World Champion Viswanathan Anand
celebrated several victories last year. Except Linares (Spain), the 33-year old
Indian won all events where he took part. Because of that the 'Tiger from
Madras' received the Sportsperson of the Year from the Indian edition of the
world-renowned Laureus Sports Awards. Only one thing seems to be annoying for
Anand: the World Championships cycle. Hartmut Metz (his questions are in italic)
talked to Vishy Anand about the crisis of top professional chess.
- Mr.
Anand you have regretted that “politics has taken over chess”. Please tell us
more about your point of view at the top.
- Politics
has been part of chess since 1993 since I can remember. I hope that there is a
final silver lining. The situation is a complete mess. The chess world can’t go
on like this. The last three years was a circus. We all hope that there will be
an unification.
- Who
is responsible for this mess?
- I
think the names are evident. I don’t need to take a roll call. Till there is a
World Championship cycle this issue is not in my interest to discuss. Because of
the prevailing world economic condition it is tough to get sponsors and people
are still trying to hold three World Championship matches. And the end result is
that you don’t have a single marketable person.
- Two
days ago I talked to Alexei Shirov. He claimed that he doesn’t care too much
about the situation. But it would be a pity for you that you haven’t have a
chance to grab the world championship title.
- It
is every sportsperson’s dream to play for the world title.
- During
the last months you won every tournament except Linares. Do you feel being the
strongest player in the moment?
- I
am playing well. I do hope to win some more. I do not want to think in macro
terms. I hope to better my play in
many areas.
- Was
it an advantage that you decided not to care too much about the world
championship, as you mentioned last year? The other top players in this “cycle”
except Leko – Ponomariov, Kasparov and Kramnik – didn’t show their best form.
Maybe because of all this stuff, which costs energy and nerves?
- They
have their reasons. They are the best judges.
- What
are your proposals to unify the chess world?
- A
fair shot at the World Title for everyone would be a good beginning. Right now
everybody except 4 players is excluded. At this point we have too many proposals
and no action!
- Would
you be quite optimistic for the future of the game after an unification? Or does
it depend who will be the one and only champion?
- Chess
has received a great stimulus from the Internet and from growth in India and
China for example. For big commercial events, an unified system is most
important.
- In
India chess has been very popular. You were another time sportsman of the year.
- Chess
has grown considerably in India. It is now a major sport in India. The
International Age categories receive a lot of Indian participation. This is
evidence that Chess is growing at the school level. The Mind Champions Academy a
virtual mental gymnasium where children from 2500 schools will be able to dabble
with chess and have fun is also being tested. I received the Sportsperson of the
year from the Indian edition of the World renowned Laureus Sports Awards. The
awards were judged by sports luminaries and a huge cross section of sports
journalists. It was a secret ballot so I don’t know the rankings. I go to know
later that there 5 of the Top sportspersons in contention. It was the first time
the awards were held in India. I have been given Sportsperson of the
Year Awards many
times in the past by leading Sports magazines and by the Government of India.
- At
home you did some charity too. Please tell us more about it.
- Along
with NIIT, World leaders in Information technology learning and my global
sponsors we do relevant programs where people especially children from less
privileged conditions also get to learn about computers. The World Computer
literacy day on December 2nd is one such initiative.
This is a continuing
endeavor to bridge the digital divide. Recently we visited Vidyasagar, an
institute for Children with specific mental disabilities. I have been appointed
their global brand ambassador and through this joint initiative we will heighten
awareness for the cause of thee children. It will be interesting to note that
many of these children are actually very talented chess players. I make various
appearances for charities. Child related issues are related closest to our
hearts.
- Let’s
talk about the forthcoming events in Germany: Dortmund and Chess Classic Mainz.
What are your expectations?
- I
hope to make most of the German summer!
- Last
time in Dortmund you played very badly and Kramnik is winning there all the
time. You think you can change this in August?
- That
was then. This is now. I hope to play well and the past isn’t important.
- In
Mainz Judit Polgar challenges you in an 8 games rapid match. Except one time you
are the king of Chess Classic. Is she able to stop your successes there?
- We
are old rivals. I’ve played some very nice games against her, like my game
against her in Roquebrune 1992. I have
to play 100%.
- Except
her last defeat vs. Gelfand in a rapid match the no. 1 of the world in women’s
ranking showed an outstanding performance during the last months. E.g. Polgar
was second in Wijk aan Zee (Netherlands) and unbeaten like the winner Anand. Do
you see reasons why she made such a progress?
- She
seems to be working hard and her vast experience shows. I guess she is just
happy playing chess right now. Gelfand played really well and fully deserved his
triumph. He took all his chances when they came and that was decisive. Still, I
am sure Judit will come back.
- Is
it enough to conquer the title in Mainz? You are the strongest rapid player in
world.
- I
have to play well. The better player in Mainz will win.
- In
German Bundesliga you played very well with 6/7. So did the other top boards
Peter Svidler and Michal Krasenkov. But your team Baden-Oos finished only at
eight place. Now Alexei Shirov and Francesco Vallejo Pons join the team. Is the
team from Baden-Baden strong enough now to beat three-times champion Lübeck and
vice champion Cologne-Porz?
- The
philosophy of the team, the sponsors, Grenke Leasing and personally Mr. Grenke
is to build a team with long-term prospects. One of the aims is to nourish local
talent. The eclectic mix of local players and International stars can only
enhance the flavour of the team. There is a great sense of bonding in the team.
Most of us are good friends now. Regarding performance we are quite happy with
our debut. Of course we will strive higher the next season. Of course there
are other strong teams, but we can control our destiny.
- You
worked together with Vallejo Pons. Did you arrange that the Spaniard transfers
from Emsdetten to Baden-Oos?
- I
am a chess player not his manager. This is not football!
- Last
question: In the new rankings you made some progress in comparison to the other
top players. Who is the strongest chess player in the world today?
- In
terms of ranking, Kasparov is No.1. I have done
well in the present list. Personally I want to play better, improve my chess and
enjoy my life. Sobriquets are for journalists. I just want to do my job well and
keep making progress.
