Topalov TWIC Interview 25th April 2002

Topalov talks about his rise in the rankings ....

Last year was, in general, positive for me, as even though I didn't reach far in FIDE WC in Moscow, I was gaining ELO points in all tournaments and now after NAO tournament in Cannes this year I'm up to 2745. Also I shared first in the Amber 2001 rapid and blindfold tournament. Now according to the FIDE April rating list I am World number 4, I'm number 3 in the Professional list. I don't think rating means a lot when the margin is symbolic, for me the changes in ratings show how the player has performed during the counted period of time.

Anand's position as World Number 3 looks under threat, not just from you but other players ....

It is true that Adams, Ponomariov and myself now have chances to replace Anand as number 3 on the rating list, but this is because he is getting closer to us [his rating is falling]. I dont think I should speak too much about him and Kramnik, as the year has only just started and it is only at the end we can make an assessment.

Kramnik has also started poorly this year.....

In Vladimir's case I guess he played very little due to the twice postponed match against Fritz in Bahrein and that's why he was out of form in Monaco.

What do think about the Dortmund Qualifier?

In my opinion the chess world should always welcome a new sponsor and that having an alternative cycle has been to the players benefit in the past. It is good if not only FIDE is giving money for chess.

If we look back the creation of new organizations have been positive for chess and players in general. The creation of new tournaments has not just been good for the elite players, many good or even average grandmasters have improved their living standards considerably. Also, Dortmund deserves to hold this event, as for many years it has been famous for attracting elite chess players and the organizers have experience with such events.

You can read more about the Dortmund Sparkassen Chess Meeting at: http://www.chessgate.de/dortmund/index.html

What are your prospects in Dortmund?

Now that Kasparov has refused to take part in this Qualifier there will be no clear favorite and even in the group stage the fight will be very close. I am sure that everybody will try to show his best and that will make the tournament very exciting.

What are your ambitions in chess?

About my ambitions I think in the near future I can try to make the top 3. Kasparov and Kramnik are too far away at the moment so I'm not thinking any further than that. But of course, my biggest goal is the Dortmund Qualifier, as the winner of it will have a big challenge ahead. I am 27 which is a good age for chess, as now I have knowledge, experience and still enough energy.

Do you feel you're a better player than during your first peak?

I know and understand chess much better than in 1996,when I showed my best results, but I think then I was probably stronger. When you are young everything looks much easier, downs are unknown to you yet, so you think it will always be like this. Also in 1996 my rating was 2750, which was worth much more than the 2745 what I have now. But if I keep rising,then I can reach that level again.

How do you work at your chess?

I guess I don't do anything different from the rest. I work with Silvio Danailov, who is also my manager. Mainly we spend time on opening preparation, but I also practice the other aspects of the game.

Topalov comments on possible meetings in Prague surrounding Yasser Seirawan's proposals.

I am afraid too much attention in Prague will be paid to the distribution of the prize funds for the WC and other datails. For me, of much bigger importance are things like what should we do to attract sponsors to put their money into chess, bring chess fans to the playing halls or to watch us on Internet and always try to grow and create new events. The GMA and PCA Grand Prix events were excellent ideas, but they collapsed because of financial problems. So what we should do is to try and make sure this never happens again.

[The news of the Einstein press release came as I was finishing the interview with Topalov he adds "in my opinion, the news from Einstein look promising, we'll see what happens in Prague."]

Finally I notice you spell your first name Vesselin, the FIDE rating list spells it Veselin which is right?

I am also confused about the way my name should be written. In my first passport I was Vesselin,but in the new one I am Veselin. I dont really care, but I think the first one was correct.

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of TWIC, Chess & Bridge Ltd or the London Chess Center.