Open letter by Veselin Topalov regarding the Candidate Matches
Letter to the Presidential Board in Tromso
As Chessdom.com informed yesterday, Azerbaijan have secured the first half of the Candidate matches. They have already transferred the initial 150,000 EUR to FIDE account and have signed contract with the local player Shakhriyar Mamedyarov.
Among the locations discussed for the second part of the Candidate matches is Kazan (Russia). This caused a sharp reaction by Veselin Topalov, who sent an open letter to the Presidential Board in Tromso, stating, “I would like to declare that I would not participate in any stage of the cycle for the World Chess Title that takes place in Russia. The venue of Baku was rejected by Aronian and this looked natural for everyone. I believe it is logical to ask, if I play any matches in the future, (especially against Russian GMs) , that they should be outside of Russia.”
Here is the full text of the letter:
July 22th, Sofia, Bulgaria
Dear President of FIDE, Dear members of the PB,
I am writing an open letter to you regarding the next World Championship Cycle. After many promises and changes I learn that a new place for the Candidates matches is being discussed, the one of Kazan, Russia.
I believe that it is a strategic mistake to stage almost all the cycle in one country. Four events of the FIDE Grand Prix, the World Cup, and now possibly Candidates Matches are in Russia. This transmits the message that FIDE can’t find sponsors and Organizers from other countries, which is very sad.
I would also like to state that for me the venue of Kazan, or any other venue in Russia, is totally unacceptable for another reason.
Everybody still remembers the unpleasant situations which my team and I had to face during the WCC Match in Elista 2006.
Having in mind all this, I would like to declare that I would not participate in any stage of the cycle for the World Chess Title that takes place in Russia, in order to avoid problems and conflicts that already took place there.
The venue of Baku was rejected by Aronian and this looked natural for everyone. Before that, FIDE have changed their own rules and regulations to avoid the WCC rematch Topalov-Kramnik with Sofia as a venue. I believe it is logical to ask, if I play any matches in the future, (especially against Russian GMs), that they should be outside of Russia.
With respect,
Veselin Topalov
He’s right. Why should Russia be allowed to favor their candidates?
sure its ok to have his WC match in his own country, but Russian GM’s can’t have it in theirs??? hypocrisy anyone?
They could play on the moon and Kamsky will still beat him.
Hi Susan Polgar,
Sport,Sportsman and sportsmanship is god’s gifted platform for world’s harmony and excellence,missing or mishandling the platform is like evading the good fortune.
Sportsman should always utilize the opportunity for betterment of any stained relationship.
Above all,sport is sport for a determined sportsman,irrespective of the place or expected supporters at the given venue.
Using opportunities for betterment of any relationship is an exhibition of real sport.
Having said all the above words,individuals and groups/org decision are all respectable,neither the individual nor group/org will be loser,kept it cool,show has to move.
By
Venky[Chennai – India]
Topa always rejects to anything, with respect of course, yes, with respect.
Very funny.
Exactly Topalov is crying out, who just played both the candidates final (against Kamsky) and world championship match (against Anand) in his home country Bulgaria.
That was obviously totally o.k. for kamsky and anand,…but Mr. Topalov can#t agree to play in russia, no no no…
What about this?
http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2010/07/topalov-to-be-honorary-guest-at-khanty.html
I don’t understand: Topalov is ready to play the Chess Olympics in Russia, but he doesn’t want to play the Candidates Matches in Russia? Why?
“Everybody still remembers the unpleasant situations which my team and I had to face during the WCC Match in Elista 2006.” ?!! I remember it being a whole lot more unpleasant for Kramnik!
Anand’s yet another interview link http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/chess/My-target-is-to-regain-world-number-one-status-Anand/articleshow/6211329.cms
Topalov has agreed to play if the match was moved to Texas.
Here he comes again!!!
The polemic man. Thanks God! He is no the world champion.
Topalov, do not go. Nobody will miss you
If Kamsky makes it to the rapid tiebreak then Topo is finished.
Not enough time to cheat or get signals from his gay partner, Mr. D, at the faster time controls.
Every time Topo does not get his way he cries discrimination and accuses people of being homophobes.