Kramnik v Aronian: Zurich Chess Challenge starts tomorrow, Saturday 21 April
The long-awaited six-game match between chess grandmasters Vladimir Kramnik (Russia) and Levon Aronian (Armenia) starts tomorrow, Saturday 21 April, at 15:00 CET in the “Festsaal” in the Savoy Baur en Ville Hotel in Zurich. With an average rating of 2810 points, their training match for the next World championship qualification is the strongest in the history of the game. On paper the 30-year old Aronian is the favorite by a margin of 19 rating points, but this is counter-balanced by Kramnik’s vast match experience. The Russian has won World championship matches against Garry Kasparov, Peter Leko and Veselin Topalov.
Their personal score in tournament games is 4 wins for Kramnik, 1 win for Aronian and eleven draws. Kramnik also has a slightly better score in blitz and rapid games. On the other hand, when the two played a rapid match in Erevan five years ago, it was Aronian who scored a fine 4-2 win. The two most recent encounters in Moscow and London ended in a draw, but from their past encounters it is evident that a highly imaginative and hard-fought duel can be expected. Vladimir Kramnik has won two highly prestigious rapid tournaments in Zurich in 2001 and 2009, but the World number two, Levon Aronian, will be trying everything to gain the upper hand.
Admission for spectators is free of charge. Each round will be broadcast live on the Internet, with commentary by GM Yannick Pelletier and IM Werner Hug of the Zurich Chess Club, which is organizing the match.
Internet: www.kramnikaronian.com
About the players
Vladimir Kramnik, born on 25 June 1975 in Tuapse, is number three in the current world rankings, with an Elo rating of 2801. He lives in Paris and Moscow and was world champion from 2000 to 2007. In Zurich he won the 2001 Korchnoi anniversary rapid tournament and, in 2009, the world champions’ jubilee rapid tournament.
Levon Aronian, born on 6 October 1982 in Erevan, is number two in the current world rankings, with an Elo rating of 2820. He lives in Berlin and earlier this year won the Wijk aan Zee tournament. The match against Kramnik will be his first appearance in Zurich.
About the sponsors
IGC International Gemological Laboratories is a Russian institute providing gemological services, such as diamond grading reports, enhanced diamond identification, man-made/synthetic diamonds and imitation detection, as well as certification of diamonds, gemstones and jewellery in the Russian Federation. IGC is the Russian branch of GCI – a group of gemological laboratories located worldwide.
Aspeco N.V. is part of the K. Girdharlal Group of companies, which is one of the world’s leading diamantaires, with sales offices around the globe. In Antwerp, Aspeco N.V. is active in selling a large range of polished diamonds originating from the manufacturing group. Aspeco N.V. also procures rough diamonds from various renowned sources, for both trading and manufacturing purposes.
Sur Jewel N.V. are manufacturers of rounds and fancies, from 1ct to 10ct+ in all qualities. They have representatives in Belgium, the United States, India, Japan and Dubai.
About the organizer
The Zurich Chess Club is the oldest chess body in the world. In its long history it has staged numerous world-class events, regularly attracting the elite of the day. Three years ago it celebrated its 200th anniversary with a spectacular chess show which attracted all the living world champions. Since then, its activities have included organizing simultaneous exhibitions by Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen.
Schedule
Saturday, 21 April: 15:00 Round 1
Sunday, 22 April: 15:00 Round 2
Monday, 23 April: Rest Day
Tuesday, 24 April: 15:00 Round 3
Wednesday, 25 April: 15:00 Round 4
Thursday, 26 April: Rest Day
Friday, 27 April: 15:00 Round 5
Saturday, 28 April: 13:00 Round 6
Venue
Hotel Savoy Baur en Ville, Paradeplatz, 8022 Zurich, Switzerland
Press Contact
Richard Forster
media@kramnikaronian.com
Kramnik will trounce him.
Kramnik!!!
Looking forward to this. Both seem like such normal, decent guys, too. I don’t think I have a preference, and I certainly can’t make a prediction. Who do you think will win? (A belated Happy Birthday, by the way!)
It would be fascinating to see these top players compete against each other.
Two of the best yes – but the seriousness is not there!
The Ghost of Tal
This will prove to be a fascinating duel between these two super heavy hitters and while i’m aware of their form and record against one another i’m unable to forecast a result; feel it’ll be extremely close. I have profound admiration for both but want Aronian to win b/c he’s the more creative of the two. His recent dismantlement of Giri (who rather petulantly described his as a “coffee-houseplayer”!) was a masterpiece; one i know it by heart.
I also love the Polgar sisters; have the highest regard and affection for each – such warm generous good humoured sisters and sublime ability; a real credit to themselves, to each other, their family, country and the wider chess community. There’s NO OTHER PLAYER i root for more than i do Judit who can still give either of these two contestants a serious run for their money