 |
What do you know about Bulgaria, this is probably your first time here?
\r\nYes, it is the first time. My knowledge about Bulgaria is mainly related to geography and football, two of my hobbies. I’ll know more in 3 weeks.
What is the thing we do not know about you?
Probably a lot. I don’t know where to start!
Did chess take away your childhood from you, after all you are only 18?
I’ve spent a lot of time on chess but it has been my own choice. I’ve been fortunate to be able to pursue such an exciting hobby to such extent and even make it my job in the years to come.
How come a Northern country gave birth to such a hot talent in chess – what provoked your interest for the game?
My father taught me the game but I really became motivated when I wanted to beat my sister at the age of 8. Where you grow up is not so important any longer due to internet chess and modern chess software like Chessbase.
Your opinion on M-Tel Masters?
It has already become established as one of the main top chess events and I’m happy to have the opportunity to participate this year. My impression is that it is well organized and that there is a great interest for chess in Bulgaria. The 2009 edition, being a category XXI event, will be tough and hard-fought.
What is your first thought when you hear the name Veselin Topalov?
As he probably is my main competitor in Sofia I should keep such thoughts a secret until after the tournament!
Please define briefly the rest of your opponents in Sofia?
I think the main point is that nearly all of them are very aggressive players and we may expect lots of fighting chess.
You are called the wonder kid of chess. Are you a wonder really?
As I did not invent such a phrase I’m not the right person to try to explain or defend it.
Why did you leave the Grand Prix tournaments – was it that you felt insulted, or was it a principle matter?
As communicated to FIDE in December 2008, I lost my motivation and it did not make any sense to continue in the Grand Prix series. The months that has passed has strengthened my view that we need mutually binding contracts governing all stages of the World Championship cycle.
Are you flattered by those saying you will be World Champion soon?
Well, I’m happy that a lot of chess enthusiasts have faith in me but the most important thing is my own motivation and my own expectations. I try not to let other people’s expectation become a burden.
What is your opinion on the policy of FIDE for defining the World Champion and the constant changes in the regulations?
My main concern is the constant changes in the regulations and the lack of predictability and transparent processes within FIDE. The championship format is not the main issue. Historically the reigning champion has had too many privileges, especially when there was an automatic right to a rematch.
Is there an opponent that you prefer not to meet on the other side of the chess board?
Not really, I have a decent score against most other top players, although only recently against reigning World Champion V.Anand. Generally the best players are also the toughest opponents.
Which success is your most valuable?
It is hard to compare as the relative value depends on my expectations at the time the tournament was held. Objectively speaking my co-victory in Corus 2008 and the 1st place in Foros 2008 is probably my best performances so far.
Does your young age give you an advantage or experience is more important?
The general perception is that players peek at an earlier age these days, maybe around 25 compared to 30 or 35 in the past. On the other hand, right now most top rated players are above 25, and several close to 40 so the importance of experience should not be underestimated.
Which player is bigger – Bobby Fischer or Gary Kasparov?
Out of principle I don’t make such forecasts, at least not in public.
General sponsor
Sponsors
Partners
All copyright, trade marks, design rights, patents and other intellectual property rights (registered and unregistered) in and on www.mtelmasters09.com and all content (including all applications) located on the site shall remain vested in the organizers of the tournament or its licensors. You may not copy, reproduce, republish, disassemble, decompile, reverse engineer, download, post, broadcast, transmit, make available to the public, or otherwise use www.mtelmasters09.com content in any way except for your own personal, non-commercial use. You also agree not to adapt, alter or create a derivative work from any www.mtelmasters09.com content except for your own personal, non-commercial use. Any other use of www.mtelmasters09.com content requires the prior written permission of the organizers.
