Kramnik - Leko World Championship Match - Press Conference
The Classical World Chess Championship takes place at the Centro Dannemann in Brissago, Switzerland September 25th - October 18th, 2004. A total of 14 games will be played under classical time controls. Vladimir Kramnik is defending the title he won from Garry Kasparov in 2000 against Hungarian GM Peter Leko, who qualified at the Dortmund Candidates in 2002.
View of Brissago from James Coleman's balcony. Photo © James Coleman
James Coleman at the Press Conference 24th September 2004
Dannemann's products. Photo © James Coleman
Hello everybody, welcome to Brissago, Switzerland - and welcome to the 2004 Classical World Chess Chapionship between Vladimiar Kramnik of Russia and Peter Leko of Hungary, to be held at the Centro Dannemann. I must admit, when traveling to the event, I did harbour some negative thoughts, such as "Why would anybody organize a World Championship match in an obscure town in South Switzerland, that practically nobody has heard of, and that even fewer have visited?" Had chess really sunk so low that we had to be virtually pushed off the map?
How wrong I was though. The answer, as I found out as soon as I arrived can be summed up in a single word - atmosphere. The town, which is 200 metres above sea level and which has only around two thousand inhabitants, is one of the most stunningly beautiful places I have ever visited.
Chess sets everywhere. Photo © James Coleman
The first thing that struck me though, apart from the obvious beauty of the place, is the fact that the whole town has turned into a small chess city. Almost all the shops in the high street, from the local chemists to the women's hair salon, have a chess display in the window.
Even the local "exotic dance bar", which offers fine beers and scantily clad girls, has a chequered display above the front door. In the interests of research, I boldly ventured inside to see just how much these ladies knew about Messers Kramnik and Leko. Alas though, after some research, I have to report, the front door display turned out to be just a coincidence?
So, from there it was onto the more sobering prospect today of the opening press conference for the match, at the Hotel Ascona, another beautiful four star venue. After some introductory comments from the Deputy Mayor and Mr Hans Leusen, President of Dannemann Brazil the floor was open to throw questions to Kramnik and Leko.
Press Conference Photo © James Coleman
What follows is, as far as possible the questions, and the players answers in their own words, as well as some additional comments from GM Joel Lautier, head of the Association of Chess Professionals (ACP).
Questions are to both players unless otherwise indicated:
Question : "How happy are you with your preparation for this match?"
Kramnik : I am very happy, but even if I was not it is likely that I wouldn't tell!
Leko : Very happy. I have just finished an intensive training camp and I hope to be able to get the chance to put into practise some of the things I did there.
Question : "How high is the risk of boring draws?"
Kramnik : Yes there will be some draws, but I don`t think many boring ones. What is a boring draw anyway?
Leko : Yes, I have heard the figure of twenty-four draws mentioned, despite the fact that the match is only for fourteen games! There will be some draws, but our job is to beat each other, that is what we are here to do.
Question : "How do you like the venue for the match?"
Kramnik : I am very satisfied indeed. I have been to Switzerland several times in my career and always enjoyed it. You only have to look out of the window, it speaks for itself.
Leko : The last time I was in Switzerland was in Horgen 1994, and it is almost too nice, it`s sometimes easy to forget why we are here.
Question to Kramnik : "Does it disturb you that you have a minus score against Leko in Classical Chess?"
Kramnik : Not at all, it simply gives me an additional goal for the match.
Question : "Would you care to predict the result of the match?"
Kramnik : I think it`s not wise to dwell on such things. If one is interested in predictions they would do better to visit a website such as www.betsson.com for this.
Leko: Certainly if I was not playing, I am sure I would be speculating on a result, but when you are a player you focus on one game at a time.
Question to Kramnik, Leko and Lautier: "How to sort out the situation in World Chess now?"
Lautier : It is very much in the hands of FIDE now. If they are prepared to work with us, I hope the situation can get back on track.
Kramnik : I am not even thinking about it one percent.
Leko : I agree with Vladimir, this is a question I could return to after the match but right now I can only think of this match.
Question : "What are your views on the FIDE time control?" Kramnik : I don`t think I have ever played with the FIDE time control, I like the time control we are using here, the longer classical length time control. I am used to this.
With this came the closing of the press conference followed by the serving of champagne and light snacks. So be sure to join me tomorrow live from Centro Dannemann for the first game to see what Peter Leko can do with the advantage of the White pieces.