Bravo to chessdom for this hilarious liveblog of the opening ceremony of Kamsky-Topolov. I love Kamsky's totally I'mgoingtobeasboringasIpossiblycaninthepressconferenceand-Idon'tcarewhatyouthink atttude in the following quotes:
Now the questions from the media starts, and of course, the first question is to Gata Kamsky, "Why was your arrival to Bulgaria so secret?". Kamsky replied that it was not a secret, it was according to the organization, and for him it is normal.
The Bulgarian National Radio asks, "The greater number of matches played is an advantage?". Topalov replied that it does not matter, nor matters the system - weather KO, round robin, or a match. As an example Topalov gave Vishy Anand who has won the title in different formats. Kamsky agreed with Topalov on the subject.
Now, obviously, he is only agreeing because this is an absolutely ridiculous thing to say and a staggering hilarious place to say it. The system of determining the world champion doesn't matter? The two potential world championship challengers don't care either way what the format is?? They don't think it makes any difference? But I prefer to think that Kamsky agreed for fun, because he recognized how aesthetically absurd it is.
Question from Novinar newspaper, "What does Kamsky think about the condition in the playing hall?", Kamsky replied that the venue is nice and that there is nothing more to comment.
....
Asked (again) if he likes the venue he answered, "It is nice, I do not want to talk about it."
Another amusing moment:
16:00 In an interview for a local news agency Silvio Danailov stated one more time that there is no such thing as home advantage in chess. He said, "What do you think, people will enter and start shouting? There will be nothing like this. This is chess."
In more personal news, I just got back from the amateur team east, where I played, for a change--I usually bring about 30 kids and go over their games, which is beautiful because I get my expenses paid and some money, and I look at that huge roomful of people all working so hard, so stressed out, and I think, "I am not working as hard as them, in fact I am very relaxed, and I am the only one getting paid! Even though we are basically doing the same thing! Hurray!"
But I played this year because of educational budget cuts, and I got 5/6, albeit playing down every round. But it was really fun to win a lot. I love winning. And I was winning the drawn games too. I'm going to post them all soon. (I am. I can because I have the week off. although guess what I'm doing with it? I'm working Wednesday Friday and Saturday. but I'm also analyzing my games because that's also important. and I'm going to the gym every day, but especially tomorrow because a good start is key.)
I would post some photos, because I took some nice ones for you, but I lost my camera. I'm thinking it might reappear.
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9 comments:
Way to rock the USATE! 5/6 is awesome. Playing lower-rated opponents, especially in a team event when your team is counting on you, ain't all that easy!
Sorry about the school budget cuts. Did some of your kids still get to play?
"Now, obviously, he is only agreeing because this is an absolutely ridiculous thing to say and a staggering hilarious place to say it. The system of determining the world champion doesn't matter? The two potential world championship challengers don't care either way what the format is?? They don't think it makes any difference? But I prefer to think that Kamsky agreed for fun, because he recognized how aesthetically absurd it is.
"
Well duh... Anand won in a tournament, defended in a match, and whatever else you can think up he'll win too. It doesn't matter how you play someone of his caliber, you still lose.
right, it's an example of how awesome Anand is, not an example of how the format doesn't matter. I can't believe that Topalov thinks that Khalifman would have much chance in a classical WC match, or the Kramnik would do as well in a knockout. Or that he doesn't care either way how long *his own match* is.
Right?
I think they were just giving "your question is dumb" answers to journalists.
and in a nice update, the hotel is sending me the camera, so expect some pictures in 3-5 business days.
Great job, you were the star of the team. Looking forward to seeing the complete games. There were definitely a few times I wished I concentrated on my own game rather than my teammates!
Tim = stalkerific
Your blog is nice. I do not want to talk about it (sounds of whirrings and beepings).
Whatever you say, Mr. Anonymous.
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