19.10.2006 CROSSROADS – REJOICE, UNGOVERNABLE ROME!

Alexander Kentler, e3e5.com editor

First, a few words about the fallen – Veselin Topalov. One would really like giving him some support – after all, he is a brilliant player, who simply did not expect that a world championship match can be difficult. And his most recent interview in Sport-Express seems calling for sympathy. However, just count how many times Veselin, cheated by his manager, returns to the ‘bathroom’ topic! I read some Bulgarian publications – all to a man are ready to crush the only obstacle that prevented their compatriot winning the title, i.e., closets. On the other hand, one cannot but admire firmness of their belief – there is not a single publication suggesting the loss being deserved. Everybody counts it on intrigues at the hostile territory and is ready for revenge, either in the return match or by word of mouth…

Vladimir Kramnik said at his Monday’s press conference in the Central House of Chess Player that he considers matches being the only decent way of determining the world championship. Will it lead to stability or nowhere? I suggest everyone including the champion to celebrate the success at full scale, and have a good rest without thinking about the future. Let us just gladly accept the fact that the chess crown has returned to Russia thanks to talent and character of Vladimir Borisovich.

It is a great pity that a single game that wasn’t played well for some unknown reason cost St. Petersburg player Nikita Vitiugov the victory in the U-20 Championship. Although one cannot consider his silver medal and 2607 points of current Elo a failure. We would like to wish the future participant of the Russian Superfinal entering and staying in the chess elite for a couple of decades.
At the same time, I want to draw your attention to the fact that, with exception of Dmitry Frolyanov and Ildar Khairullin, who fought for top spots in Yerevan, there were many Russian players finishing on indecent positions within 30th-60th range… Maybe one should select the players for such forums more responsibly?

There were nine Russians in the Boys competition, but only two in the Girls’ section: Elena Tairova (13th) and Olga Dolgova (16th). A fairly poor result, especially against the background of growing gap with Chinese (two representatives of this Asian country took two first places)! It is surprising that our chess managers did not consider giving young Anastasia Bodnaruk, who qualified for the Russian Women’s Superfinal, the permission to play in this championship. And then everybody shows amazement when Russia loses on women’s board in the match with China! Meanwhile, former and present trainers of the women’s team exchange prickly remarks in mass media – they have no time for their students!

And finally I shall touch upon the saddest subject. The world championships for 8-18-year-olds open today in Batumi, Georgia. They will be attended by boys and girls from more than 60 countries. However, there will be no Russian representatives – such is the political decision.

Many years ago, in 1967, Leningrad player Andrey Lukin won the qualification to the World Junior championship. The final stage was scheduled in Israel, but politicians interfered: ‘boycott the tournament, don’t send the player’. I am sure Andrey Mikhailovich’s chess career would have been more successful, had he played in that tournament. In any case, he would unlikely prefer working at a secret plant to becoming chess professional. This did not prevent Lukin from becoming 5-time city champion and world-famous trainer, but it did change the course of his life.

Now all junior champions of Russia who qualified for the WC appeared in the same situation. Of course, adults who are responsible for their life and safety must obey recommendations from above. Of course, unlike old times, such championships are organized annually now. But I have two questions: why Russian junior football team is allowed to play in Georgia at the same time, and will our champions get any compensation, e.g., entry tickets to an interesting competition?

But let us not focus on sad things. Kramnik is an absolute champion of the world! What a joy!