.... in the interview (in German) at the following URL:

http://www.chessbase.de/nachrichten.asp?newsid=3415

In my view, this hanky panky away from the chessboard began with Kasparov
commenting on the swap between Kramnik (used to be 2nd in ELO rating, now
3rd) and Anand (used to be 3rd in ELO rating, now 2nd).

Specifically, Kasparov hinted at the swap that made Anand 2nd and made the
first jab, saying in an interview: "True, Kramnik won a match against me
(that's the WCC match in 2000), but why should he be considered above Anand
right now?"

Whereupon Kramnik retaliated by stating: "Anand is currently the strongest
player of the world. Kasparov does not play that much anymore and when he
does play, such as in Linares 2004, his results are not supreme." Of course,
Kramnik hinted at his own win of Linares 2004.

Whatever it is that Anand does, it is everything else but blowing his own
horn. However, in the interview in the above given web page, Anand agreed
with Kramnik's statement and added details such as: Kasparov takes advantage
of the ELO rating system to keep his rating up by playing just a few games.

One can sense from the way the interview went, that Anand now considers
himself the true #1 player of the world, which is also the subtitle of the
above given web page.

In the greater scheme of things, is chess going the way of boxing? With all
the ballyhoo between the matches and what not?

In the greater scheme of things, is chess going the way of boxing? With all
the ballyhoo between the matches and what not?

Yep. What I'd like to see is a tennis or golf model, with tournaments held
throughout the year, three or four "major" tournaments per year, like tennis
has Wimbeldon, golf has the Masters, etc., and a system of rankings. There
would be no "champion" just as there is no "champion" in golf or tennis, but
with proper funding and publicity, the competition for those major titles would
be fierce and more than worth giving up the concept of a single champion.

In the greater scheme of things, is chess going the way of boxing?
petecasso

"All sports including boxing are now more reputable than chess," said AP
reporter Robert Huntington, explaining why the world’s largest news
association soured on chess. And that was before the "judenfrei" lottery in
Libya boycotted by most of the top players that FIDE laughingly called its
world championship.

See AP SOURS ON CHESS

http://www.worldchessnetwork.com/Eng...2.php#solution
__________________________________________________ ______________
"FIDE has made its decision. Players who refuse to be drug tested will not be
able to play chess." -- Dr. Press, co-founder of the FIDE Medical Commission.

..
The people at the Associated Press seem to know very little about chess,
judging from the multitude of errors they make when attempting to write on the
subject. Who cares if they go "sour" on a subject they are so clueless about
in the first place?


PS: Please explain to your pals at the A.P. the difference between a
"match" and a "game." If they (finally) manage to grasp this elementary
concept, then show them how the pieces move and explain that chess is not
simply checkers, with statues on top. Thanks!

(EWOH27) wrote in message ...

[...] What I'd like to see is a tennis or golf model, with tournaments held
throughout the year, three or four "major" tournaments per year, like tennis
has Wimbeldon, golf has the Masters, etc., and a system of rankings. There
would be no "champion" just as there is no "champion" in golf or tennis, but
with proper funding and publicity, the competition for those major titles
would be fierce and more than worth giving up the concept of a single
champion.

I wish for Anand-Morozevich match soon.

Wlod

The actual introducing question was:

Mr Anand, dow does one feel as the best chessplayer around the globe
when even Worldchampion V. Kramnik thinks so at this time?

And this is the first time that Anand confirms, at least on the Internet,
that's the main significance of the interview. His win in Dortmund helps to
underline the claim too, as asserted in the interview.

Besides Anand won the very last chess oscar, has a steady rating
increase over the last two years

together with Morozevich - IMHO the most
fascinating player right now.

Sounds like a fine match to me (Anand vs Morozevich).I would rate Anand the
favorite over anyone in the World at this time (including my man Morozevich) It
really is a shame Anand is not in the mix in regards to the plans for unfying
the World Championships.