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Pavel Kolev
Newspaper: “24 Chassa”
What does it mean for you to participate in the “M-Tel Masters” tournament in Sofia?
“M-Tel Masters” isn’t only one of the strongest, regarding the participants, competition in the history of checkmate, but also a unique experiment in the fight against fast draws, so for me the to take part in it is sort of a double challenge.
You, traditionally, are a tough opponent to beat for Veselin Topalov. Do you have ambitions for a world title?
All depends on the results in the next 2 years. The world championship will be during October 2007 and naturally my plans are aimed at performing well there.
What do you think of the uniting match Topalov vs. Kramnik during September in Elista?
I think that the game of chess will profit from this match. Solving the problem with who the absolute world champion is, will make our sport more attractive to the corporate sponsors, which on the other hand is important for the future development of the game.
Is Topalov the strongest chess player in the world now? If it is do, with what qualities do you think he surpasses the others?
At the moment Topalov is Nr. 1 – neither one of us could boast with such a stability and continuity in the scores for the past 18 months, like he can. I think that his biggest advantage is his phenomenal firmness and his desire to win. On top of that, he is shockingly prepared for the most recent novelties in the debut’s theory and is always in perfect physical shape, which today is of great importance.
Is there a crisis in the great Russian chess school? After Kasparov’s generation and yours it seems that there are no worthy successors.
In my opinion it is early to talk about a crisis. As before, there a lot of strong chess players in Russia, so there is no one to fear at the team competitions. But the situation in the chess for adolescents was tense even 5 years ago. Thank god that lately efforts were made to overcome this problem and I am sure that soon the world will see a new generation of Russian chess stars.
How do you think that a 12 set classical chess match between you and Topalov will end?
Veselin will be the obvious favorite in such a match, but with the necessary preparation I would also have a fair chance at winning.
What is your score balance against him for now?
If you count the speed chess matches against him, I am at a minus 3.
Last year at the “M-Tel Masters” there was a castling on the top of the chess world with Topalov’s victory against Anand? Could this be the outcome this year also with a possible success for you?
In order to become Nr. 1 in the world it is not enough to win one tournament, even if it is the strongest, as is the case with the “M-Tel Masters”. Right now Topalov is in this position because he won at several consecutive tournaments. There isn’t such stability in my game for now.
Is the end of the split in the chess world near?
I would like to believe that the duel Topalov vs. Kramnik will be held and that the outcome of it will put an end to the nonconformity.
The game against which woman chess-player did you find difficult?
For me, as well as for any other chess-player, in the past 15 years there is only one ‘uncomfortable’ Grandmaster – Judith Polgar. Last year, at the tournament for the world cup in Saint Luis, I finally managed to beat her for the first time in a game of classical chess after a series of draws.
Which is your favourite tournament?
I have always loved playing in Wijk aan Zee, but of course everybody loves the tournament “Melody Amber” in Monaco.
What is the most awful place, where you had to play chess?
As an adolescent I have played in the most remote places of the former Soviet Union, so for me there are no awful places in the modern tournaments. It is just that – somewhere it is fun and interesting, while elsewhere – boring.
What is your favorite food?
I love the Eastern cuisine – Indian and Chinese
What is your favorite drink?
Red wine
Favorite perfume?
I don’t have one.
Favorite book?
I read all the time, so the list will be quite long. If it is so important to name only one title, the one that most often comes to my mind is “Money” by Martin Eims
Do you observe any special regime before a tournament?
No
Does having sex help or hinder the elite chess-player?
It depends on when you have sex.
Do you smoke? If yes – what brand of cigarettes?
I don’t smoke.
What do you do when you are not playing chess?
I spend a lot of time with the children and read.
Do you have a close friend among the top 10 pretenders for the title?
I have an excellent relationship with Vladimir Kramnik and Alexander Grishchuk, but in general the relationships among the top 10 are quite good, especially after “Linares 2005”.
How did you decide to become a professional chess player?
From the moment my father showed me how the figures move, there wasn’t any men capable of separating me from the chess board.
Who is your idol in that sport?
Michael Tal.
Do you like soccer? To watch, to play?
I love watching soccer and would gladly play, if I had with whom. By the way I always break something when I decide to play, so it is better if I don’t do it often.
Do play any other sport just for relieve?
I played pool very much before my sons were born, but combining fatherhood with professional chess and another sport , just for relieve is very hard to do, so my level with the pool stick fell during the last 4 years.
