Interview published on www.chessbase.com
This victory is a milestone for my career. Biel is a perfect fit for me.
Interview with Magnus Carlsen by Olivier Breisacher
Magnus Carlsen played his first high-level grandmaster tournament in Biel in 2005 (category 16). He was 14 years old, he finished sixth. As he was leaving Biel, he said, “I will never finish last again here.” In 2006, he climbed to second place, adding, “If I come back in 2007, it has to be for a victory.” Carlsen has just accomplished what he had predicted: on August 2, he won his first high-level tournament, in the 18 category. A few hours after his tiebreaker victory over Alexander Onischuk and before flying home to Norway, the youngest victor in the history of the Biel Grandmaster tournament talked about his Swiss itinerary and other current events.
Olivier Breisacher: Magnus Carlsen, what does this victory mean to you?
Magnus Carlsen: I won this tournament in category 18, which is the most important success in my career. I will remember it as a special moment. I finished second at the Morelia/Linares tournament last March, but a first place is something else.
Biel seems to be a good fit for you.
Yes, I feel good here. The playing conditions are good, and so is the atmosphere. I also like the fact that the tournament takes place in the same hall as the Opens.
You won after five tie-break games against Alexander Onischuk, with a final “Armageddon” blitz that was favorable to you. What do you think of the “tie-break” to decide between winners who have equal points, rather than relying on “Sonnenborn-Berger”?
It is a very interesting idea that could be replicated in other places. Of course, weariness can be a decisive factor. However, it gives a clear winner in a tournament and that is very important. Chance plays a lesser role than with the Sonnenborn-Berger point system.
Here is the full story.
Nice interview.