Courtesy of Europe Echecs! Thank you, Vijay Kumar and GM Robert Fontaine!

Courtesy of Europe Echecs! Thank you, Vijay Kumar and GM Robert Fontaine!

Courtesy of Europe Echecs! Thank you, Vijay Kumar and GM Robert Fontaine!

Alexander Morozevich

Alexander Morozevich, the top-seed in the Jubilee-Open, does indeed have a special position in the world of chess. He may not be a World Champion, at least not yet. But he is one of the few players who almost has his own "brand" and position in it's own right in the chess world – due to his playing style. The many chess enthusiasts who support him from all over the world enjoy his entertaining games and hope to see him play regularly in the super tournaments. During the Jubilee-Open, we had the opportunity to talk to him. Take a look at his views on chess, his games and his reputation.

Interview conducted by Christian Rohrer

In Biel you played – and eventually lost – a sensational game against Vachier-Lagrave, which included some incredible positions. After the game, were you just completely disappointed or did you feel rewarded for having played such a great game?
Morozevich: Every defeat is a small lesson; You can take it from a philosophical point of view. During the game, I was in an all-in mood. After the game, though, I did not feel good, and I didn't have the impression that it had been a great game – lots of sparks and desire, but very poor calculations. In general I never give an additional meaning to a game. Following the defeat against Vachier-Lagrave I lost interest in my last two rounds, but after a lucky win against Ivanchuk, suddenly in round 10, I had the chance to win the tournament. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to beat Caruana. So after the last game I felt sorry for those people who wished I would win. I've received hundreds of SMS, e-mails with thanks and consolation from all over the world.

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Vasily Smyslov

What he had been denied in his World Championship match against Mikhail Botvinnik in 1954, Vasily Smyslov achieved three years later. He overcame the same opponent, the "patriarch", and joined the list of World Chess Champions going back to Wilhelm Steinitz in 1886. Smyslov’s regency lasted only for one year, however, as Botvinnik beat him in the revenge match 1958. Soon, 1960/1961, Mikhail Tal suffered the same fate. Tal’s chess, of course,  was completely different: he was constantly attacking, his play was uncompromising and full of sacrifices. Smyslov’s playing style appears to be simple, effortless and flowing, always positionally sound and highly precise. If you want to study endgames, take a close look at Smyslov’s classics in this part of the game.

Unfortunately Vasily Smyslov, who is turning 89 next year, can not attend our jubilee in person. Yet he wouldn’t miss the opportunity to send a greeting from Moscow: "I support the Schachgesellschaft Zurich with its big, beautiful programme devoted to the 200 years jubilee. Zurich is the city with which I have the most beautiful and bright memories, and I wish to all the participants to show the best creative achievements." More...