Conversation with Vladimir Kramnik (#1 seed, Russia)
Q: What about the second tiebreak game today?
That looked like a narrow escape for you.
A: Yes, I was lost. If he plays Ke1 instead of Kg1 he is winning.
Q: Why do you think he made that blunder?
A: I think he was very nervous. I was nervous too, but he was even more nervous.
Q: This was your first tiebreak match. How do you assess your quality of play in the tiebreaks?
A: Both of us can play better than this. But I am glad that I played the tiebreak games, even though it cost me money. I have never played these tiebreaks before and I needed the experience. Now I know better how to handle this situation.
Conversation with Vadim Zvjaginsev (Russia; eliminated by Judit Polgar)
Q: It looked like you played a strong novelty against Judit when you had the white pieces. You seemed to have very good attacking chances. What went wrong?
A: Yes, I had chances after g4. But it was not a winning position for me. It's just a game after I made that move.
Q: Do you think you can play that novelty again, or is the value gone now?
A: Of course, I can play it again.
Q: Were you tired today?
A: No, she just outplayed me. I felt fine, and I thought I had some chances, but she played well.
Q: Do you like the format of this tournament?
A: Yes, I like it very much. It is a very democratic system.
Q: You look relaxed and calm for a man who has just lost. A: I am not happy, but now I feel freedom from the pressure!
Conversation with Sergei Movsesian (Czech Republic)
Q: Congratulations on qualifying for Round 5. How do you feel?
A: Very tired, but happy. After the first game today, I had to wait for a long time, because these guys Adams and Dreev were playing for hours.
Q: Yesterday you had a bad position against Fedorov. You almost didn't make it to the tiebreaks today. A: That's right, I was completely lost. It was a resignable position. In my mind, I had already packed my bags and made a reservation for my flight home. I was thinking, "This guy Fedorov is very strong; he wins all his matches 1.5-0.5."
Q: Have you played Fedorov before?
A: No. But now that we have played six games, I know him a little bit better!
Q: Now there are two Armenians in the quarterfinals of the World Championship. Are you surprised?
A: We are a talented nation! [Movsesian now plays for the Czech Republic.]
Q: On Kasparov's Web site, he says this about Hungary: "Such a great chess nation, and it is represented in the world championship only by a woman!" A: We cannot say such a thing seriously, because in this kind of tournament, anything can happen.
Q: It seems unfortunate that the two Armenians must meet in the quarterfinals. A: Such things cannot be planned for. Anyway, we know that there will be an Armenian in the semifinals!
Q: Are you still improving?
A: I am not yet 21, so I hope that I am still improving! The Bundesliga has given me good experience, and this event has been very good for me.
Q: Do you expect more invitations to strong tournaments now?
A: I hope so, but I don't know. In the last two years I have not had many. I need such events to get experience against top players. Not only to play against them, but to learn little things such as how to analyze and prepare. Little things that you aren't even aware you don't know until you learn about them. This is an opportunity for me to get close to the 2700-rated players.
Q: Do you have a trainer?
A: No, not now.
Q: What about other Czech players, like Babula?
Do you work with them?
A: Babula and I have very different styles. He always looks for the most solid moves; I try to generate play. I believe the best move is the move that helps you win, even if it is not the best move objectively.
Q: So you are a disciple of Emanuel Lasker?
A: I would not compare myself to a great world champion like Lasker. I am not trying to imitate anyone else. But I really admire Kasparov's style, his energy and fighting spirit. Also Fischer: I admire his harmonious blend of positional and tactical play. It is really a pity that the world didn't get to see what he could do for 20 years.
Q: Is your family excited about your play in Las Vegas?
A: Of course. They are watching all the games live online. Afterward I call them. It is the middle of the night, but they would not be able to sleep anyway.
Q: Was yesterday your most difficult match?
A: Every match is different. Yesterday I was completely lost. But perhaps it was harder for me to play against Leko.
Q: Do you have a second?
A: No. But at least I know that if I win, it is all because of me!
CONTACT: Timothy Hanke, Press Officer for the World Chess Championship, at 702-731-7110, extensions 5913 through 5927.