Destructive Champion Sets Fantastic Record 

Kasparov's triumph has once again proved that as of today he is the strongest chess player on the planet. It is demonstrated especially vividly on the background of the results achieved by FIDE-version official world champion Anatoly Karpov in his match against a second-rate Dutch grand master Yerun Piket: all eight games of this match have ended in draws.

In fact, Kasparov dealt with his rivals, the world's leading chess players, like they were newcomers. What helped him rout his opponents? First of all, it was his terrific training in openings, meaning not a superfluous knowledge of theory, but in-depth analyses. In addition, Kasparov, like no other chess player today, knows how to use contemporary technology. The computer is a powerful instrument in his hands. And Kasparov does not try to conceal this. In particular, he made public the fact that it was the "smart machine" that had found for him solutions for strengthening in his games against Alexey Shirov (at a Dutch tournament) and Veselin Topalov. In the latter case, it occurred around the 25th move. Probably, such announcements are made in order to psychologically impact on rivals.

Surprisingly, it works! The only person on whom Kasparov's behavior at the chessboard, or his outstanding results, or his own statements about his power have no impact is Vladimir Kramnik. It has been not that often, that Kasparov managed to outplay him: not more often, than ended in fiasco.

However, we would not like the reader to have an impression that Kasparov wins only thanks to his homework. There is no doubt about the great strength of his play at all stages of the game. The fantastic world record he achieved after the Linares tournament, having pushed his rating up to 2839, is well deserved. There is only one problem: Kasparov is a destructive man, and the development of chess cannot substantially benefit from his victories.

After destroying the well-organized system of world title tournaments in 1993, he has in essence offered nothing in return. Proclaiming his adherence to the century-old tradition of competing for the championship in matches, Kasparov wants to play such matches only at his own discretion, and he has not done over the last three and a half years. "Why should I? It's clear that I'm the strongest," he thinks.

However, Kasparov's non-participation in world championships (say, according to the Ilumzhinov System) should not prevent their taking place. In fact, the champion is not always the strongest in his or her sport. And if the champion in high jumps is injured, the championship is conducted without him.

As for our Vasyl Ivanchuk, his problems, undoubtedly, are psychological. Hence, his scandalous behavior (during his game against Leko, Vasyl walked up and down the hall for twenty minutes with his clock on, then returned and offered Leko a draw). Hence, his uneven play. It was not before the end of the tournament that Vasyl had warmed up and demonstrated his true skill. But only enough to share the fifth and sixth places.