Topalov has been ranked among the world’s elite for a long time. However, because of his low key demeanor, many people don’t know much about him. Due to his super-human-like performance in this World Championship, many people found out about him and started to compare Topalov to some of the greatest World Champions such as Fischer and Kasparov. Topalov, the man who is on the mission to become the next FIDE World Champion gracefully stated:
“Please don’t compare me to Fischer. I wouldn’t even dare to say I’m superior to my rivals here. I’m just in good form right now, that’s all.”
This is the remarks of a TRUE Champion in my eyes. My chess motto is:
“WIN WITH GRACE, LOSE WITH DIGNITY!”
This is what Topalov represents. He is fearless on the chess board. He plays chess with heart and passion. Topalov is a Champion with class and modesty, a person who is a good role model for young players. Regardless how he will do in the next 6 games, he already won over millions of fans worldwide. The chess world needs a Champion like this, not one with full of excuses. 
You know, that is what I like so much about this guy – he seems so humble. When Kasparov retired, Topalov, who had beaten Kaspy in his last game, was interviewed afterwards and said something like: ‘in the near future someone like Kasparov won’t come along. There are some of us who may lead the world, but we are not the same‘. I think that is just amazing, as is his comment that you quoted about people comparing him to Fischer. It says somewhere that the humble will be lifted up …
Yes, Chris. I have known him since he was a kid. He has always been very nice.
It is too bad that the world only knows about him lately. I really believe we need a champion like this, not one who still blames Brissago for his disastrous performances.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
http://www.SusanPolgar.com
http://www.PolgarChess.com
Class always shows itself, in victory or defeat.
A champion in more ways than one then.
On the subject of class showing itself in defeat, I’d like to say well done to Judit for fighting tooth and nail having found herself in discouraging positions. I hope she turns it around for herself.
Top guy he is and what a player and fighter!
Screw Kramnik. he deserves not to be called a champion in any form.
He already won me over. I used to be a Kramnik fan. I’ve had enough of VK’s excuses. Go Topalov!
Blas
With all due respect some of the comments [sans Susan’s 🙂 ] are pretty premature.
When VK defeated GK many people were bowled over by the performance. Any sport is unforgiving, Chess is just the same.
All these people who now admire Topa will jump ship the moment he starts losing e.g. Anand once the darling of chess enthusiasts has been receiving a lot of flak, even being called a 2600 player in a 2700 player’s clothing (especially after his loss to Kazim).
Be that as it may, Topa is *right now* the top dog in Chess and *the* man to beat.
Now if he can consistently perform like this then no questions asked , his name will surely be etched next to GK and RJF etc.. if he likes it or not 🙂
Whether that comes to pass or not is the question, it will be most befitting since hes such a nice guy too!
I am not against Kramnik for loosing. I am against Kramnik for giving silly excuses and refusing to defend his championship title against the rightful candidate.
A game is a game and will have its winners and loosers…. no one denies or blames someone for it. I, for one, am not on anybody’s ship. Kramnik is just afraid of loosing.
And yes Kramnik played spectacular chess to bear GK at that time. At that time, he was the rightful champion. Not any more.
I agree with Xargon. Kramnik was a champion. No one questions his skills. Many question his lame excuses and avoiding tough competition.
B.W.
One feels compelled to ask the question on how a Capablanca or a Petrosian would do (with an update in theory) insuch a tournament. Have current players, with the influence of computer tactics, not developed defensive technique?
Susan,
Thank you for highlighting not only Topalov’s games, which have been phenomenal, but his character. It is a great combination!
Joe
Joe,
I think character is something that is very important. It is unfortunate that sometimes fans only care about wins and losses and they don’t pay attention to this area. Great champions need to do both. Win and do it with class!
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
http://www.PolgarChess.com
http://www.SusanPolgar.com
ok, ok, all this may be true, but is it necessary to repeat it a hundred times ?
Sylvain
Where has it been posted a hundred times?
Maca