The 2004 FIDE World Chess Championship is over and there is a new champion. For years to come, this tournament will be discussed on many different fronts. For example, how many will be able to answer the trivia question, "In the year 2004, a World Chess Championship was hosted in what country and was won by what player from what country?" It is doubtful that the average chess player would be able to answer this question even now. However, the memories gained from this tournament left an indelible impression on those who attended.

FM Sunil Weeramantry made the exciting trip to Libya with his stepson, GM Hikaru Nakamura and chatted with The Chess Drum's Daaim Shabazz about his reflections which included the environment, playing conditions and Hikaru's games. The interview took place at the 2004 World Open shortly after Nakamura finished his last-round thriller with GM Jiri Stocek… only one week after playing in Tripoli for nearly three weeks! Weeramantry's comments were intriguing, timely and balanced with a tinge of ironic humor!

Posted by The Chess Drum: 15 July 2004