Kasparov hogs the limelight
Chennai, Nov 12, 2013, DHNS :
Promising players, enthusiasts, Grandmasters and fans of Garry Kasparov had thronged the Hyatt Regency in large numbers in order to get a glimpse of the former world champion and if possible get an autograph on his book titled ‘My Great Predecessors.’
However, the All India Chess Federation officials had not arranged any interactive sessions, leaving them disappointed.
Boris Kutin, former President of the FIDE European Zone, present here for the FIDE Presidential Board meeting, said, “He did not even inform us about his arrival nor about his stay and he expects us to lay out the red carpet for him.”
Woman Grandmaster Soumya Swaminathan, a former world junior girls Champion, WGM Nisha Mohota, WGM Swati Ghate, WGM Kiran Manisha Mohanty, WGM Aarthie Ramaswamy and WGM Nisha Mohota had also made it to the venue in the hope of interacting with Kasparov. “I wanted to click a photo with him,” said a disappointed Soumya.
Kasparov, who had said he was a chess tourist, attracted more media attention than the two players fighting for the title. He was escorted to the playing hall by J C D Prabhakar, President, AICF and D V Sundar, Vice President, FIDE, in stark contrast to their stand on Monday when they had failed to acknowledge his arrival.
When Anand and Carlsen were asked whether their spirited game was in response to Kasparov’s arrival, both replied that they did not meet or see Kasparov and the question of playing a fighting game just because of Kasparov’s presence did not arise.
A Norwegian journalist asked Anand what he thought of Kasparov being “in the building and whether he was feeling intimidated,” (referring to last year’s statements by Kasparov on Anand). The Indian coolly replied: “Like Elvis? Well, it’s good that he’s here to watch.”
Carlsen said: “I haven’t seen him here yet, I think it’s good that one of the legends of the game is here to watch the match. It gives an extra dimension in a way. I do not want to be drawn into politics, but the world champion deserves to be treated with respect.”
Source: http://www.deccanherald.com
Interesting, but what did Kasparov have to say?
Interesting, but since Kasparov is the topic, what did he have to say?
Of course he is. He can’t stand not being in the center of attention.