Pre-match problems:
It was an unfortunate situation with the Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption. I am glad that Anand and his team arrived in Sofia safely.
In my opinion, Anand had every right to ask for a delay. The Bulgarian organizing committee also had the right to voice their objection. At the end, FIDE was responsible for making the final decision.
It is ridiculous to blame Anand for asking and it is also ridiculous to blame the organizer. People who criticized either party obviously had never played in a big match or organized a big chess event. I have personally done both and here is my take.
When you play a world championship match, you want everything to be right. Even when a little thing goes wrong during an important match, it can cause a chain reaction and the results can be catastrophic.
The same thing applies when it comes to organizing an event. There are contracts and there are obligations which an organizer must respect when it comes to sponsors, VIPs, dignitaries, playing venue, hotels, TV and print media, etc. It is not so easy to change so many things at the last minute. It can be costly and sometimes it is not even possible.
FIDE did a good job handling this issue. Even though it was not an easy thing to do, the organizer did everything they could to accommodate the decision of FIDE and Anand was also content with the decision.
The media coverage and LIVE commentary:
The chess media did a good job covering this world championship. The general media also covered this match throughout the 12 games. Maybe it is me but I feel that the general media was not as enthusiastic about this match as with some past matches. One possible reason is there was no major scandal during this event. We know how the media loves scandals.
Most chess websites were fair with the players. Some clearly favored one player or the other. There were also many sites which offered LIVE commentary such as ICC, PlayChess, Chessdom, TWIC / London Chess Center, Russian website, etc. This is great for chess.
As I mentioned before, each commentator has his or her own style. Some rely on very deep computer and scientific analysis. Some have multiple commentators at once. As for me, I believe in sharing my thoughts and personal experience without database and long computer analysis.
Which is the best method? Who knows? Obviously the chess fans have the right to choose and they can also follow multiple sites at once. No need to disparage any site or commentator. We should all be thankful to have so many options.
The fans:
Most chess fans behaved very well and it is wonderful to see so much enthusiasm for chess and for this match. We can, however, do away with the nonsense of insulting either player. We can root for or against a player without getting personal or rude. A few bad apples do ruin it for all of us true fans.
The players:
In my opinion, both players behave exceptionally well under severe pressure and scrutiny. Before the match, I was one of a few people who felt that it may not be an advantage for Topalov to play in Sofia. When things go well, it can be a great thing. When things go badly, there is a lot of added pressure playing in front of your home crowd, your President, Prime Minister, friends and family, etc.
I feel very sorry for the player who loses the match. In this case, it was Topalov. It is disheartening to see his face at the press conference. It is the absolute worst feeling in the world. Win or lose, this match took a lot from both of these players (mentally, physically, and emotionally). There is no way for me to describe the ups and downs the players went through after each win or loss.
It is easy for the fans at home to criticize the players. How can that “@^&#*” not see that? How is it possible for that “*&@^#!” to miss something so simple? It is obviously easier said than done.
I went through this before and I can tell you on a personal level that it was not fun. Sometimes the emotion can take over a player’s body and mind and the player goes through this annoying helpless feeling. Sometimes you see thing that are not there and your mind simply plays trick on you. I spoke to many of my professional colleagues about this issue. They all have to deal with various types of emotions during a big game or event.
Every player faces these mixed emotions. The best players simply control it better. This is also why having a good coach (or excellent seconds) can be so helpful. They can help calm the players down.
The pressure in a World Championship is enormous. It is like a basketball player at the free throw line with 0.3 second left and your team is down by 1 point. You have 2 shots to be the hero. Make it and you are the NBA champion. Miss it and you will be vilified for a long time. Another example is like a field goal kicker on the 40 yard line in the Super Bowl with his team down by 2 and there is only 1 second left on the clock. Make it and you are the Super Bowl champ. Miss it and you just made a few million enemies.
This is why I admire players like Kasparov and Karpov for being able to stay on top for so long. It takes a lot to be the best and it takes even more to stay on top.
Part 2 will be about the match itself.
I feel bad for Topalov too.
Have you read the statements released by the Organizer when they receieved Anand’s request for delay?? They were very bad in language and not professional at all to say the least.
Have you read the letter by the India federation? It was obnoxious and disrespectful to the Bulgarians. Anand could have arrived earlier. He chose not to and then he was stuck. Why should the organizer who provide 3 million euros be insulted by Sundar? Anon 9:30 you sound just as obnoxious as Sundar.
The official response from Organisors was perfunctory and factual, but the unguarded language used in the additional statement was confrontational and accusatory to put it mildly.
The virtues of having a neutral venue and organisers for a world championship match have never been clearer!
I agree with your summary. Well stated.
If only Lasker had insisted on a neutral venue, he would have been world champion a few years longer, and played a match with Alekhine!
Susan: Based on your part 1 summary one aspect which comes to my mind is:
Considering th enormous pressure of W.Ch, the way Anand was protected from all distractions before and during the match by his team (Aruna and others) is in stark contrast to how Topalov was simply exposed to all those interviews, public functions, dinners by Danailov and team?
Danailov was at his audacious best when he even made public statements like Topalov and team has found their way to breach Anand’s Slav defence and he is expecting a win on a particular game: Even though Topalov eventually won a game, imagine the pressure he was put in by his manager in front of his home fans and public at large.
I would love to see Topalov terminate the services of Danailov and seek a much sober support to handle his matters.
I agree with everything in your statement. I also feel that these matches must be played at neutral sites. Can you imagine what would have happened if the Russians had been told that Spassky must play Fischer in New York City? Better yet, try to convince Fischer he should play in Moscow. It could never have happened and shouldn’t have.
Susan, dont you think the wordings of Organizers immediately before the start of match were insulting and unprofessional if they could not accomodate Anand’s request they should have told that in professional and polite manner. First they deduced that Anand is already in Sofia and did not inform them, ridiculous behavior as if they were on some thriller mission to solve mystery. Though after this incidence no should complain about organizers, but to say you cant blame them is very generous. Also if they are paying money as some user is mentioning they have sponsors and its not charity, they agreed to it. if they cant afford it they should not have bid for it.
Susan Polgar for FIDE President!
I told you my opinion. If you like Anand, you will feel that the Bulgarians were rude. If you like Topalov, you will feel that the action of Anand and the letter from the Indian Federation were disrespectful.
I am looking at this situation fairly from both angles: 1) as someone who competed in a World Championship match 2) as someone who organized a number of major events in the US.
You are free to debate this point endlessly. I will not. It takes two to tango and cool heads are needed to solve problems. Problems were solved. Even Anand himself said the conditions were superb and he praised the organizer.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
can someone repost what the BCF letter was about the attitude or something about Anand? Just want to get it on record. Could’nt have said it a nicer guy on the planet
Susan,
Thanks you for your response.However, you are again mistakenly equating the Organizer’s choice of language with the indivdual’s like or disliking of Anand or Topalov. I do not think either of them have anything to do with Organizer’s response. Even FIDE, Markpoulose, gave subtle warning to the Organizers’s by emphasizing the need to not to give public statements.
Nobody is questioning the Organizer’s predicament to postpone, though. Everyone including Anand, didn’t object to only one day postponement instead of 3 days requested for.
Anyway since you choose not to continue the discussion on this topic, I will stop it too.
Otherwise your’s is a very nice summary and looking forward for more.
Susan said She respects Kasparov and Karpov.All of us agree. But They were master tactitions both on and off board.If Kasparov could survive through PCA, Karpov did it through by other means.
Players with lesser tactical skill off board like Kramnik, Topalaov and even Anand need to be seen on a different footing.
I will not consider Karpov as a chess mortal considering his playing strength. He is a lesser player by all means compared to all the above three. I fail to understand how you ignore them and praise Karpov??
The achievement Of Anand by winning the championship in allformats , Match, knockout and tournament is no small task . Reigning ontop three for almost 2 decade is also no small achievement. By all means I would rate Anand much above Karpov and either equal or a point below Kasparov.
Hope you would publish this comment
You’re delusional. Karpov was #1 in the world for 10 years. At one stretch, he won almost every tournament he played in. He was the most dominant player during his time. So was Kasparov. Anand was among the top few but he was never dominant. They’re not in the same class. Get real. Don’t go blind because you’re Anand’s fan.
Nice summary. I personally didn’t care who won..I just wanted to see great games..and we did.
I certainly think matches should be played on neutral territory though. Did you see the official website? It was laughable how pro-Topalov it was. I think there might have been 1! picture of anand throughout the whole match. And I agree with the above..Kasparov, Karpov, Fischer,Alekhine,Capablaca,Lasker were completely dominant over their contemporaries during their reigns….The present crop of GM’s are all about the same ….The WCC could have gone either way…Anand is great but really he’s not that much better than even Radjabov or mamedyarov.
Perhaps someone can dominate in the near future..but there is nothing obvious yet (Carlsen?) Its fun to watch…but I agree..there is no reason to insult players you’ve never even met…so I agree with Susan.
I feel bad for Topalov too.
Very few people have been in Topalov’s shoes. He has come within striking distance twice, so it has to suck bad.
If he drinks, I hope he and his team pour themselves some drinks.
As far as this reader is concerned, Anand and Topalov created high quality art. They give me the same feeling of awe as listening to Paul Rogers and his friends in Bad Company http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf3uiCfNkaM
The world championship official site didn’t look neutral. It had more coverage about Topa/Danilov than Anand. Even the live commentators there seem to root for Topa. Could have done a better job!
I am not for a debate nor I am a blind Anand fan. But how many players with more than 2700 ratings were there then ? Hardly few. Where as it is 37 now. Maintaining dominance for 10 years is a mirage now if not an illusion. Things would become still toughr 10 years from now.
You sure sound like a blind Anand fan if you think he’s better than Karpov. You’re a nut.
Just to remind Kapy fans that he was not a superhuman either.
In 2000 WCC matchup between Kasparov and Kramnik, Kramnik destroyed Kasparov. Kasparov did not win a single game in the 16 games played (it ended after 15th game).
Kramnik was Kasparov’s second during Kasparov’s match against Anand in 1995, and hence learnt all about Kasparov’s home prep.
After that Kasparov had a terrible record against Kramnik.
After Topalov beat Kasparov, Kasparov went into retirement instead of sticking around and playing players who had the measure of him.
Just to put things into perspective.
susan,
You have been wonderful commentator and explanator.
I am not much knowledgeable of detail chess but your comments have really made every thing simple.
I am from India so obviously I supported and rooted for Anand, but I also dislike people who insult the opponent, or either players or commentators.
I have also followed chessdom / chessbomb commentary, and I liked both yours as well as theirs.
Keep up the good work.
Looking forward to your detailed analysis of Match.
thanks.
“This is why I admire players like Kasparov and Karpov for being able to stay on top for so long. It takes a lot to be the best and it takes even more to stay on top.”
I find this statement quite bias and belittling the success of the current players.How many players were in the 2700 range in the 70-90S?The computer age have heiped briged chess,making it more complex.
Thank you
Dear anonymous,
Now you prove to be a real fan of Karpov. It is your heart that speaks now not the brain if you have one.
If there was any game-play off the board, I am unaware of it.
It seems to me that ‘Chess’ was not complicated with anything else here. I appreciated that.
I am also pleased to see Susan focused on chess analysis which is her forte. We should have more of this and less of everything else.
One of the early game, Anand won but Topalov did not seem to blunder at all – just went down slowly. I shall want to go back over that game.
In the last game, Topalov did seem to blunder bigtime: that’ s always a pity. Topa seemed to leave his King relatively defenceless and that happened in an earlier game too.
Susan, when will Anand play next Chess match?
2700 and 2800 ratings ow were 1650 to 1750 in 72 Ratings have inflated like crazy. Sorry…These guys just play each other all the time..inflating and inflating. Its sort of sad because its just a mathematical illusion…Its sort of like those dudes in the financial sector…just inflating stock. ratings today are relative..they should be taken down at least 100 points.
The Bulgarian chess fed played a major role in helping Anand win the crown! They decided to push the dates by one day, and not three as requested. Thus, the tiebreaks were to be held on the 13th. Topalov was superstitious (he states this in the press conference, go watch it!), and did not want to play a tiebreak again on the 13th. He played the tiebreak with Kramnik also on the 13th and lost, so he refused the draw chance earlier in the 12th game (…Bd3, Qc1)! How’s that for home advantage!
I think both players deserve credit for creating a fantastic match with 12 fighting games. Anand is the winner but Topalov’s Sofia rules created the fighting spirit. Loved to follow the match online, live commentary, etc., etc.
Great progress, maybe the press didn’t like it, but I think all chess players loved it.
I agree with many here that Karpow’s and Kasparow’s reign are unquestionable and above any comparison to Anand’s.
One reason in particular: normally you can’t compare two champions because they perform in different eras, but as for Kasparow and Anand it’s so clear that till they very end Garry stopped playing he outperformed Anand in all departments.
I must therfore conclude many don’s know their history, even if it’s only this short ago!
You said Karpov is #1? Hah!
He said Anand is #1? You’re dreaming!
She said Kasparov is #1? B^//$!+ !
Everyone knows Fischer is the Best!
(you know now why Susan said we can debate this forever, don’t you? 🙂
From Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with love.. 7:15pm.. it’s raining..
It is nonsense to suggest Topalov lost because he was afraid to play on 13th.
Topalov won his World Championship title in a tournament at San Luis on 13th October after the 13th round.
I am glad Anand won.
I know there was good/bad things about the match but all in all, it was run well. Of course there could have been things done differently but given the circumstances (and location!) I am glad to see it go as well as it did. At least Danailov didn’t start complaining about cheating! Topa really needs a new manager…
Great match, great games and thanks for the commentary…
Karpov, Kasparov have definitely been top players because of consistent performance (Susan is correct!) – no doubt about that. Having said that, Anand is almost there and this win definitely adds to his considerable stature. He is still active and can end up being the greatest before he hangs up his pawns!
I think that Susan, FIDE and other GMs have been extremely biased towards Topalov in their comments. Even official website commentary is one sided. Please think objectively about the following.
1. If the situation was reversed and the tournament was held in India (for which Topalov fans will obviously not agree in the first place) and if Topalv was the one who arrived late instead of Anand, then will FIDE behave in the same manner? And will Susan support FIDE decision to postpone it instead of only by one day? Then, all of them will have a big deal of it.
2. None of them commented anything about Topalov’s Sofia rule. If Anand was the one who said that he will follow Sofia rule and he makes a joke of himself by offering resign or draw by talking to arbiter then I am sure everyone of them would have mocked Anand. But now since its Topalov, not a single word is uttered about it. The issue is conveniently side-lined.
3. When Topalov won the match and equaled the scores, everyone equated him to none other than God himself. There were so many accolades, praises of him and what not. Now, Anand won the final match, that too with a black. Is he being praised by these people in the similar manner? No! It has been projected on many reviews that Anand has been lucky or Topalov has been unlucky thats all. What double standards?
4. Susan says that Anand fans think that she is biased towards Topalov and Topalov fans think the other way round. I think its a lie. None of the Topalov fans raised any issue b/c there is no issue there. But I have seen so many Anand fans raising this issue and Susan conveniently ignoring the comments.
In spite of all this, if even now Susan and others say that they have been neutral and unbiased, then we have only one option that is to change the definitions of unbiased and neutral.
P.S.: This is the second time I am posting this comment. Earlier comment which had similar content was not approved by Blog Admin and conveniently thrown into trash. Hope this one makes through.
If Topalov can pick himself up, I expect to see him face Anand again. Although Carlsen seems to be the top rated player at the moment, I don’t think he is ready for the rigors of a World Championship.
Kramnik is probably the only other player in the same weight class as Anand.
One thing you must consider who is the greatest. The era of the period they were playing. Big K’s were playing in 80’s and dominated the chess kingdom. I do not think at that time, many players from Asian and other Eurpoean countries were produced. Now, chess is become more popular and more young GMs are coming every day.. Could you believe that 8 year old kid become youngest chess champion? This was not happened in K’s era. Today is much more difficult to play because of super computers and internet. Also, people like Susan are spreading chess by inculcating in schools and colleges and in curriculams. So, I personally feel becoming champion in today’s world is more difficult than before. In tennis, Martina and Chris Everett was dominated the women championship for almost 20 years. Now, you do not know who will the next champion because more players are coming on the way. You need to consider the conditions and situations at that particular period. If you consider all this, no doubt, Today’s players are one of the better players than yesterday’s.
Thanks Susan for detail commentary which helps me understanding chess.
Rangula Kala, you sound like a raving lunatic. I hope the moderator will block your stupid comments next time. Troll!
@ Anony May 13, 2010 9:01:00 AM
If raising legitimate issues is considered to be the job of lunatics, then yes Rangula Kala can be considered as lunatic. Issues raised by Rangula Kala are valid. If you want to show them to be wrong then argue logically. And not by writing hatred inducing stupid comments that are full not noise, but no signal!
He didn’t raise legit issues. He simply insulted Susan and made accusations without facts. Yes, he sounds like a raving lunatic. Susan has been most fair to both players. Why should she favor either player? If you don’t see that then why do you come to this blog? Unless every sentence is Anand is the greatest, you think Susan favors Topalov. You should have your mental health checked out.
Forget all this. Why haven’t we seen Anand with the winners trophy yet? When he beat Kramnik they gave the awards immediately. Where is the picture of Anand holding aloft the trophy that says World Chess Champion 2010?
Or is BCF in a state of disbelief and have not prepared a trophy with Anand’s name on it? It’s been 3 days already. All world cups that I know of give the awards immediately after the match. What is going on here?
And what about the check of 1.2M Euros?
In my mind Topalov is rightful winner of this match. If match had been started on day was supposed to be started, not day later, results would be entirely different.
Anand should have been more professional and showed up in time in Sofia when match is supposed to begin. Asking for extra three days was an outrageous request and rocked world of Topalov. If Anand wanted extra days he should have forfeited game, then we would have devastating Gruenfeld loss on day 3 etc unfolding and there would never have been time for this Lasker Variation. Only a player clutching at the straws would play Lasker variation.
Why should Topalov suffer with faulty planning on Anands part to get to Bulgaria. Topalov had no problem getting to there.
Anyways, I hope there is a protest, I will join…
Another idiotic troll. The closing ceremony is today. You want Anand to screw the organizer again by getting his check and trophy prior to the official closing ceremony? Moron!
Whoever writes as Anonymous here and make a lot of sound like nut , lunatic etc. needs some treatment. There is a clear bias here. It is no wonder, the west is slowly losing the mud under their feet.
Like Topalov and Danalov these people are behaving arrogant. But our symbol is Anand . The cool level headed guy. Learn the culture from the east.proffli
I do not agree on the comment that ‘If match had been started on day was supposed to be started, not day later, results would be entirely different’. If you are good player, it does not matter for you if the game postponed for a day or two. YOu do not need look for lame execuses for losing the game. If you make blunder on the game, why do you blame on the postponement of one day? why do not think that you got another day for prepration? If you lose or win, you should take it gracefully and move forward. Please do not find such a lame execuses for losing the game. Topalov is great player and will have great future. There is no absolute base that because of postponement of one day causes his failure.
@Anonymous: 9:57 – Mind your freaking language bulgarian. It is customary to see the winner or the winning team with the trophy the NEXT day in newspapers with the photos. That IS the moment.
Who decided to have the closing ceremony 4 days later? Who plans all this? Is there no standard for this? Why 4 days, why not after 1 year?
Have some sense in your replies. I know Topalov let you down but you don’t let yourself down (i.e if not down already)
Now go watch the closing ceremony and come back with the photos.
All this talk about bias in coverage is not that important. I followed on Susan’s blog, chessdom, some user comments on a bunch of other websites and GM Illescas’s post-game analysis on ICC. Just listen to all points of view and synthesize the information. No point getting agitated about all this. We are all pulling for someone (I am/was/will be pulling for Anand) and therefore will have some different takes on things. I like Susan’s comments and believe that she adds a perspective that is not always easy to find. It is the subjectivity that makes all this worthwhile. Thanks Susan!
I like the way Susan communicates with the casual chess player in mind. Most of us will never play in a tournament run at this level. It is an art to know how to talk to us without talking down to us.
With your love of spreading chess to young people, I hope you can show one of two things younger players might be able to learn from this match.
Susan – I think you did a great job with your commentary inspite of your day job and other commitments. I thought you were objective and just assessed the game with an agnostic approach of who was playing.
That is key to a successful and balanced commentary and you did that. Don’t worry about folks complaining bias et al because it cannot be quantified and you cannot please everybody anyway.
On the Karpov-Kasparov comment. I know you may have political reasons to say so BUT let’s not forget the world has changed a WHOLE lot after the IT revolution.
Advanced chess is not too far and no longer the stronghold of one country or a few players. Magnus Carlsen is a classic example. It was MUCH easier to dominate in the Karpov-Kasparov era when there were no computers and no doubt they were really smart as well.
In today’s age Anand is definitely a legend in terms of what he has accomplished. He has done what NO one else has done. That alone is enough to qualify to an all time great. Secondly how many GM’s including Fischer, Alekhine, Kaspy, Karpov would have agreed to play at the opponents venue?
Chess is not just dominating but taking up new challenges and winning against all odds. Anand is right up there.
The match was not the easiest one or flawless one.
It started with Anand making a blunder and ended with Topalov making a blunder!
Anand was more prone to blunders as the games went on to 6+ hours with ‘Sofia Rules’ self imposed by Topalov.
If 8th game was gifted to Topa by Anand making a blunder (BC6??) after fighting till the end and reaching a Draw position then in 10th game Topa let Anand an easy draw where he could have won with White.
Then 9th game was so wild that both players went into a lot of stress. And Anand wasn’t even able to concentrate on the position and gave up multiple winning Chances.
So by this one can say that both players did mistakes and Anand took more chances and made more blunders than Topa.
Surprisingly Topa was Solid from the start and though he made some inaccuracies he was far from blundering.
But in the last game he made two quick pawn exchanges and by the time he realize the position went into a lost one as he had to give away material or get mated!
It was sad to see Topa after that game but I guess he will get his chance in future and he will be more experienced and mature player at that time.
Vishy could have wrapped up the match by 11th game if only he could have avoided that 8th game blunder and won the 9th game. But he was left wanting in the opening theory as Topa seemed to be more solid in Opening preparation than Anand in this Match.
All in all, a wonderful treat to all chess fans disregarding all off the board issues.
So ultimately Chess is what wins no matter which player wins!
Cheers to all!
I don’t feel bad for Topalov at all. He did an outstanding performance and played at a high quality level which actually forced the title not be decided until the last minute. Topaov will be back for the championship at some point, and maybe then, another story will be written. Unless he is facing a uy named Magnus Carlsen 😉
All in all it is well organised match.
Susan’s bias ( if any) : possible at sub-conscious level towards topalov. since they are all neighbours. Her sister did root for Topalov. At the same time, her commentary is really brilliant. Everybody can connect with it.
Anand’s dominace like kasparov – karpov, I personally feel is not possible in this kind of HYPER IT environment.
All said & done, organisers were not sympathetic to Anand’ request for delay.They may have really believed ANAND is upto something to derail the host. We all know chess at the top is often full of intrigue.
TOPOLOV’s chances in future. Well he definitely has to ovecome CARLSEN, KRAMNIK , ARONIAN at this moment. Forget ELO ratings at this SUPER SUPER GM Level. They are all equal. Every wanna be world champion at some point requires a bit luck. Lady luck is pretty whimiscal.
Topalov admiitedly is better human being than the comments that appear here. TOILETGATE is a mistake by him. Better he get rid of his manager and employ some one more SAVVY may be SUSAN herself or equivalent , at least for media relations. No pun intended. That would only enchance TOPALOV’s image
@GM Susan. First of all I want to just thank you for your journalist covering of the 12 games. I enjoyed that very much, even when you had to leave to take an important picture and come back ! Only one question. Will you have time to publish the commentaries of GM Topalov concerning this world championship aswell ? I would like to read about his viewpoints, what tactics his team prepared for the games, etc. If it is not possible, then consider my heartfelt thank you for your covering of this intens match. Congrats for GM Anand 4th win and once again THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!
@Anonymous 9:52. Your comment makes no sense. The postponement of the match by a day was a fair agreement worked out by FIDE. The volcanic ash disrupted all travel plans across Europe which caused Anand to take a 2 day car ride to reach Sofia. One cannot anticipate such an event so he asked for a 3 day extension to recover and was granted one as FIDE had made prior arrangements.Susan herself commented that Anand had every right to make the request and FIDE had valid reasons in granting just one day.
Topalov in fact won the first match. Both he and Anand have played this match in the right spirit and he acknowledged his loss like a true sportsman. You will be unnecessarily sulling his reputation with a protest.
Yo Petersen chill out! Do i look like MINNIE MOUSE TO UUU.
On comparing Anand to Kasparov and Karpov, posted the following, see if you agree to disagree:
http://wannabemusings2.blogspot.com/2010/05/anands-feat-is-second-to-none.html
This is all ridiculous.
Anand is the Champion now, yes.
Without meaning to belittle him, all this comparison is like comparing apple to oranges.
“Fischer-Karpov-Kasparov” were 24-games format or the first to win 6 games. Fischer was without any second. That era was without Supercomputers analysing the games.
Each champion has their own strengths & weaknesses.
Anand is the Gentle & Cultured King!
There have been some comments here which have questioned Susan’s motives and actions. That is ridiculous.
Point #1 Susan has been doing a standup job for chess and promotion of chess.
Point #2 This is Susan’s blog and she can have a favorite and root for Topalov or Anand .. thats completely her decision.
If you are completely unbiased then you are reporting news. Here Susan was providing perspective and going beyond just the moves but about what the players would be thinking.
I am huge Anand fan but in my professional life I have organized many events & I can tell you the logistics of even the smallest of events are mind boggling leave alone a World chess championship.
World chess championships have always had their drama and in fact I felt that Bulgarian organizational committee & FIDE did a great job of handling the situation and delaying the game by one day. Also note that Anand was in Sofia 3days before the original start so by delaying 1 day they have graciously provided Anand to rest – it was not as if he could not make it to the 1st game.
Now back to the Susan… if you have not noticed she has objectively commented on the games & was never biased in the analysis which was why there were thousands of viewers following the game on Susan’s blog – that itself is a testament to the content and value provided by this blog.
To the nay sayers all I will say is start your own blog and rant as much as you want !!
The chess lovers of the world have been served with a true spectacle. Anand completely changed his match strategy from Anand-Kramink & went into positional settings whereas the never say die attitude of Topalov kept everybody on the edge of their seats… a great match indeed !!
And for those of you that think it was only Topalov/Danilov using physcological warfare thats far from it. Anand may have accepted Sofia as venue knowing fully well that may be Danailov would be curtailed in Bulgaria by the government understanding that any scandal would reflect poorly on Bulgaria. Also at the press conferences. Anand took jabs at Topalov particularly after G9 & G10. Also G11 draw was over the board rather than through the arbiter so Anand was pushing Topalov to stand his gorund on the so called “Sofia” rules.
Thats a long post .. my 2 cents.
To the Indian fans who post derogatory comments of the Bulgarian organizers – these people arranged a 2 mln. euro prize fund and performed a task Anand himself called “superb”. Some say they lost respect for Topalov because of Danailov – by the same rationale, don’t make us lose respect for Anand because of you!
“To the Indian fans who post derogatory comments of the Bulgarian organizers”
What makes you think that the comments are derogatory ?And Indian fans? i can assure you that not only the Indians are vexed with the behaviour of the organizers choice of words and the Topalov interview after the match shows a small arrogant human being.
Susan BIG THANK YOU, amazing commentary!!!
Anand’s manager in her own words said that a little empathy from the organisers after they reached sofia could have gone a long way implying that they were made to feel hostile. Anand was in the shadow of all this and made to concentrate on chess alone hence his remarks and also it is not his nature to act like sour grapes, he knows where to put his focus on.
You can feel the Bulgarian hostility from danilov’s hue and cry to delay by one day when millions were stranded in airports because of the volcano, from their official pathetic biased website, the self-imposed sofia rule(he made a joke of FIDE and I want to know why FIDE not silence him by telling him its a world championship and nobody agreed to play with their stupid rule), the trophy ceremony much later and some claims that the trophies would have been different had Topa won the match.
To the anonymous guy who claims that it was a disadvantage to topalov that it was delayed, imagine travelling 40hrs on road and losing first game, and to the anonymous who claims “Anand took jabs at Topalov particularly after G9 & G10” — you think anand and play how topalov wants him to play? he offered a draw like sane chess players do across the globe. It is topalov’s ego or sticking to his rule which made him call the arbiter.
I will give 9/10 for Susan’s amazing commentary. The only downside I feelsometimes is that Susan wants to please her friends topalov,anand,fide all the time and so she makes comments pleasing to everyone and is afraid in lesser terms to vent her real emotions some times which takes the cherry out of true journalism.
THANKS AGAIN and me and my friends are now officially hooked onto this blog 🙂
There are sensible and also disrespectful people on both sides.
There is nothing we can do about that. We can hope, plead etc but if they don’t want to change, well…
Let’s celebrate the fact that the players’ differences made it an exciting match. Topalov’s determination could be misinterpreted as “ego”.
While, the fact that Anand managed to overcome external pressures with calmness should be a positive lesson for us too.
Hi Susan,
I am a TTU alumni. I apologize for the outcry expressed by my fellow Indians here to your “World Championship Summary.” I believe that your comments were exellent and I have always looked forward towards your blog during the matches. However I am sure you realize that you have a lot of Indian fans given based on the statistics you collected.
To my fellow Indians. Guys Anand won. Enjoy and chill. As far as the Kasparov Karpov thing goes that is Susan’s opinion and everyone is entitled to their opinion. Even I thought that organizers response was quite rude and uncalled for, but nevertheless it is behind us and it is time to move on. Important thing is, Vishy won. This debate about comparing players is unending kind of like Bradman vs Sachin debate.
Once again, thanks Susan for making chess much more exciting than 20/20 cricket. I hope this world championship brings in a lot more interest in chess.
Dr. Devanand Kondur
Ph.D. (1998)
Department of Civil Engineering
Texas Tech University.
Iam an Anand fan. First Susan’s comments and moderation have been great. I have been following a bit of chess from Karpov’s days. Agreed there was no real competition for Karpov (Korchnoi was there) till the advent of Kasparov. Anand was into the chess world at Karpov’s peak. If karpov was poetry with his finesse , kasparov was like reading a crime thriller. Somehow I feel Anand or topalov are a rung lower than karpov or kasparov.
Still waiting for part II…