Sergey Karjakin: I Dream of Returning the Crown to Russia

We bring the details of the two press-conferences held in New York.

As we already reported, two press-conferences took place on November 10 in New York. The first once was given by both title contenders, FIDE Vice-President Israel Gelfer, head of Agon Ilya Merenzon, chief arbiter Takis Nikolopoulos, and executives of the sponsoring companies Andrey Guryev (PhosAgro, Russia) and Michael Stanton (EG Capital Advisors, USA).



The second press-conference was organized for the Russian-speaking journalists. The questions were addressed to Sergey Karjakin, Andrey Guryev, Ilya Merenzon, RCF President Andrey Filatov, and Moscow Chess Federation President Vladimir Palikhata. 



The speakers pointed out that this match is the youngest in the history of chess, judging by the players' age combined. Both Carlsen and Karjakin were born in 1990, but Karjakin is already 26, while Carlsen will celebrate his birthday on November 30, so their combined age coming into the match is 51. 

Both grandmasters said they went though lengthy preparation, but naturally did not disclose any details. Karjakin revealed the names of two coaches who arrived with him – Vladimir Potkin and Alexander Motylev. Carlsen brought only one second – grandmaster Peter Heine Nielsen. The players deviated from discussing strengths and weaknesses of each other; the only thing mentioned by the World Champion is that the challenger is an extremely tenacious defender. 

Magnus Carlsen said it is great to play a World Championship match is such a colorful city as New York. He expressed hope to produce a great show in the next three weeks, but by no means guaranteed it. 

Sergey Karjakin said that becoming a champion and bringing the crown back to Russia is a dream of his life. 

Andrey Filatov: “During the last Olympiad, many chess experts approached me and said that Karjakin's chances to win the match are the same as Donald Trump's chances to become a US President – 7 to 3. Yesterday I told Sergey about it. I think everything will be alright. I hope so.” 

Mr. Filatov also reminded that Karjakin has already been a World Champion – in rapid chess that is. 



Dmitry Peskov, Chairman of RCF Board of Trustees and Press Secretary of Russian President, was present at both press-conferences and listened attentively. Representatives of Dupont, one of the match sponsors, presented him a gift – their brand pen. Mr. Peskov thanked them for a valuable gift and passed it to the RCF Chess Museum. 



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