Dear Friends!
We just wanted to remind you about one special anniversary. Ten years ago Ukrainian GM Ruslan Ponomariov became the FIDE World Chess Champion! It happened in Moscow on 23rd of January 2002. In the final match Ruslan defeated his compatriot Vassily Ivanchuk with a score of 4½ – 2½ and became the youngest person (he was 18) to ever become FIDE World Champion. His girlfriend Ines and friends prepared a special video in order to congratulate Ruslan with the anniversary.
You can find pictures of Ruslan Ponomariov in attachment (pictures by Anastasiya Karlovich).
Best wishes,
Anastasiya
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Great Video. Actually Russ is under-appreciated from the day he became WC. I remember chucky was the favorite and he could not come to adjust to the fact that Russ beat him fair and square.. he was a poor loser at that time. Then the big names cold shouldered him; But eventually Russ earned Gary’s respect( that is more difficult than even winning WC). He has not got his fair share of super GM invites.. Becoming a KO WC is not easy.. That record is his forever…In spite of his achievement he is humble ( naka are u listening?)