Photo courtesy of Chesvibes.com
Two days before the start of the World Championship match between Anand and Kramnik. After 168 votes so far,
Anand by 1 39%
Kramnik by 1 28%
Anand by 2 or more 14%
Kramnik by 2 or more 11%
It will be decided by Armageddon 4%
I vote “Present” 4%
Click here to cast your vote.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. “But why,” they asked, as they moved off. “Because”, he said…..”I can’t stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer.”
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Kramnik will win
Kramnik’s match record:
1994-95 PCA cycle:
LOSS against Kamsky (1.5-4.5)
1994-96 FIDE cycle:
WIN against Yudasin (4.5-2.5)
LOSS against Gelfand (3.5-4.5)
1998 match for the right to play Kasparov:
LOSS against Shirov (3.5-5.5)
2000 Braingames:
WIN against Kasparov (8.5-6.5)
2004 Classical championship:
TIE against Leko (7-7)
2006 reunification match:
TIE against Topalov (6-6)
Thats 2 wins, 3 losses and 2 ties overall.
Anand’s record:
1991-93 FIDE cycle:
WIN against Dreev (4.5-1.5)
LOSS against Karpov (3.5-4.5)
1994-95 PCA cycle:
WIN against Romanishin (5-2)
WIN against Adams (5.5-1.5)
WIN against Kamsky (6.5-4.5)
LOSS against Kasparov (7.5-10.5)
1994-96 FIDE cycle:
WIN against Yusupow (4.5-2.5)
LOSS against Kamsky (6-4)
1998 FIDE championship
TIE against Karpov (3-3)
Thats 5 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie overall.
Kramnik’s alleged strength in match play is just a myth.
It’s not a true! Kramnik has won matches was the most important! Anand is awesome player also, but there is no need to underestimate Kramnik.
“Kramnik has won matches was the most important!”
And I guess matches in the world championship cycle (yes, the ones that decide who the next challenger will be) are not important???
Also his 1998 match with Shirov was not important??? Don’t tell me that he already knew at that time, that Kasparov will hand-pick him instead of playing his rightfull challenger (Shirov).
I’m not underestimating Kramnik, i’m just telling that you shouldn’t overestimate his “match play”. His match play is by no means better than anyone elses. His “legendary” match play strength is based only on the 2000 match, where he caugth Garry on the wrong foot. Other than that he really didn’t show all that much.
What does I vote Present mean?
Can’t be present Champion in case of tie as there’s a tie-breaker..
I don’t have the faintest idea what “I vote present” mean, but every poll on this blog has that option. Is it the same as a blank vote? Maybe its some hungarian thing.
Let this match be decided without the need for fast tie-break games.