The morning before round 8

This is the playing hall before the exciting actions. At early breakfast this morning, I met and chat a little with Gelfand. He is in a very upbeat mood. He told me that his daughter is almost 2 years old. I think because the stability of family life, he is playing very good chess.

I also saw Anand and his wife. He’s in a very good mood for obvious reason. It did not seem to me that he’s intense or nervous. He seems quite confident.

Joining us at breakfast was Leontxo Garcia. He is one of the most well known Spanish chess journalists. He used to have his own chess TV program. He is also a sports journalist. He will be my colleague at this World Championship for commentary.