Kramnik: I was somewhat afraid of Ivanchuk’s mask

Tal Memorial winner, Vladimir Kramnik: “Ivanchuk’s face mask put me on my guard somewhat”
By Mikhail Shpenkov

Q: In the last round, you played Ivanchuk, your closest rival, who was half a point behind you. Did he surprise you in this game?

A: I did not remember that precise move order in the opening [the game saw a Queen’s Gambit – Editor], but I cannot say I was all that surprised. Vassily plays such a wide variety of stuff that it doesn’t really make much sense to prepare a specific opening against him.

Q: You had a cold at the start of the tournament. Did you manage to shake this off before the end?

A: Yes, I feel fine again now. But here is a paradox: all three of my wins I achieved when I was unwell. Somehow I played quite easily, despite having to take tablets before each game, to lower my temperature. Now, having recovered, I feel rather tired, although by the end of such tournaments one can hardly feel otherwise.

Q: Three games in a row, Ivanchuk played whilst wearing a face mask. If he had turned up wearing it against you, would you have regarded this as a form of psychological pressure?

A: Yes, I have to admit that I was somewhat afraid of Ivanchuk’s mask (laughs). After all, he scored both his wins whilst wearing it. But in the decisive game, he decided to manage without it.

Here is the full interview on ChessBase.com.