The guy plays a lot of good Chess!
On the "rest day" at Tata Steel he played two online tournaments.
4 Games in the Pro Chess League (4-0) and
Crushing the field in the 2nd Lichess Titled Arena !
For a 2nd time, he has donated the prize money to the next event.
The guy has a few faults, like everyone of us do. However, he is placing himself up front, promoting chess by public appearances, by accepting all challenges, seemingly 24/7 with no time out. He is playing older, discarded openings, injecting new flavor and originality to the game. Just today, what many considered a blunder after losing a piece, he went on to win vs a GM by playing out complicated positions.
I started this thread because I'm really starting to admire the man, his devotion and hard work. I was somewhat a little put off by his personality awhile back. We do not know him personally, the media attention he has to deal with, leading his personal life and the truly remarkable devotion he is giving to the chess community all but make up for any idiosyncrasies. It would be an honor to meet the gentleman.
On the "rest day" at Tata Steel he played two online tournaments.
4 Games in the Pro Chess League (4-0) and
Crushing the field in the 2nd Lichess Titled Arena !
For a 2nd time, he has donated the prize money to the next event.
The guy has a few faults, like everyone of us do. However, he is placing himself up front, promoting chess by public appearances, by accepting all challenges, seemingly 24/7 with no time out. He is playing older, discarded openings, injecting new flavor and originality to the game. Just today, what many considered a blunder after losing a piece, he went on to win vs a GM by playing out complicated positions.
I started this thread because I'm really starting to admire the man, his devotion and hard work. I was somewhat a little put off by his personality awhile back. We do not know him personally, the media attention he has to deal with, leading his personal life and the truly remarkable devotion he is giving to the chess community all but make up for any idiosyncrasies. It would be an honor to meet the gentleman.