Radjabov speaks about the match with Kramnik
Interview about the tiebreak
Provided by Chessdom
Q: The victory was very close. How much were you influenced by the incident with the clock?
A: I try to remain calm. Indeed, I was 5-10 seconds away from the next round, but now what to think about this? In the first blitz game I was successful, it really lifted my spirit, the second game was also developing in my favor. Well, you know what happened next.
Q: This worked in favour of the opponent?
A: With all due respect to Kramnik, this incident was more in his favor than in mine. One can argue on this subject. I think I had done everything that depended on me, I cannot say that I played badly, moreover I felt the victory is close, just no luck. After the incident I immediately remembered the footage of basketball finals at the Seoul Olympics, when USSR beat USA with a direct hit in the last second. In sport, anything can happen.
Q: You have been preparing for the Candidates for the last six months. Do you now feel that the time is wasted?
A: I have no regrets. What could I do? Today, a broken clock, tomorrow a chandelier will drop.
Q: Speaking of the supporting team, who were your assistants?
A: I would prefer not to disclose this and have it remain a mystery. I can only mention GM Igor Nataf with whom I worked for a long time.
Q: What is expected from semi-finals?
A: Now we have a somewhat unusual situation. For example, Kramnik might have expected to meet Aronian, but now he will face his compatriot Grischuk. Gelfand was probably thinking of Topalov, but he will now play against Kamsky. Their teams will probably have to make special preparation.
Interview in Russian in Azerisport
Classy all the way. He was robbed of the match.
Unbelievable. Kudos to Radjabov, for the sportsmanship. However, I am quite upset for him. They should check the clocks before the games. It unbalanced Radjabov completely because he lost control i.e. other people intervene whom he does not know and they ask him to confirm to the new time they are putting, his concentration fell. Presumably, his trust of the situation and of the people around was not great anyway.
“What could I do? Today, a broken clock, tomorrow a chandelier will drop.” Respect! Seriously.
Hats off to Radjabov! He is taking this very graciously.
Radjabov is classy on and off the board.
He is still young, let’s hope he comes back roaring next cycle.
Radjabov is a great sport; however, a broken clock should have no bearing on the outcome of an event of any kind. In my opinion the game should have been stopped, the clock reset and the game returned to the starting position. This is an insult to the hard work and commitment of a professional player. Along with the format of this tournament it devalues the winner of the tournament.