Grandmaster (GM) Levon Aronian—who plays first board for the three-time World Chess Olympiad champion Armenian national team and who is currently ranked second in the World Chess Federation (FIDE) Ratings—was unprepared for the climate of battle, thirteenths World Chess Champion, GM Garry Kasparov stated.
He commented on the results of the World Champion Candidates’ Tournament, which wrapped recently in London, Crestbook.com reports.
“The tournament showed that the rumors that classical chess has died are exaggerated. There was a brilliant battle, high efficiency; it was a great tournament. But the rules were terribly bad. You cannot decide a world champion candidate on additional points; an additional match should have been played.
Aronian is close to the highest class, but he is not yet within in. Levon Aronian was not solid. In all likelihood, Aronian ‘broke down’ back in Round 7, after not wining in a promising position in the game against [GM Alexander] Grischuk [of Russia]. Subsequently, his [that is, Aronian’s] course failed,” Kasparov said in particular.
Source: http://sport.news.am
Kasparov is making a lot of friends.
Seems like some people are never happy with formats…this format has been best of all I think…if you want to win the candidates…play for a win! We don’t need pacers and ‘just enough points’ players…we news warrior champions…Congrats to the best human player in the world…Magnus Carlsen!
Aronian needs to develop a killer instinct – he is too ‘nice’
Not sure about Aronian but Kramnik was a revelation and was definitely there. Too bad the rules screwed him out of the right to challenge. But there is always a next time.