Exclusive tidbits from Bilbao

Here are some tidbits from Bilbao:

I spoke with Henrik, Magnus’ father, about his regiment. He told me that ideally, Magnus would wake up 3 hours before the game.

I met Ivanchuk. I last saw him at the 2004 Chess Olympiad in Calvia. His second for the Grand Slam is GM Manuel Leon Hoyos of Mexico. Manuel was one of the participants in last year’s SPICE Cup at Texas Tech University.

Aronian is in a relaxed mood. He was on vacation before the Olympics in Russia and Beijing, China.

The rounds will take place at 5pm daily.

I am heading to the Opening Ceremony now. More later…