Do you agree with Kramnik that match-play format adds value to the world title?
It certainly helps and also Kramnik is very tough in matches simply because he does not lose very much. In tournaments, there is a difference. If you beat others and you have a dynamic style, you go ahead. But in a match, if you can’t beat Kramnik, you are stuck with him. So in that sense, beating him in a match is a big achievement. Clearly, that adds to my resume but I don’t know. To be honest, I am simply relieved. It must also be said how many chess players sent me such warm notes. Couple of them said, “just hold on. We are rooting for you and so on.” That was very touching. It is not like the chess world is against me. I am not getting anywhere there. But there are different thoughts. Some very strongly like the match format. They are very passionate about it. You have such people in every sport. You have people wedded to one format or the other. I don’t feel bad that they have this viewpoint. Now that you’ve won the world title in all three different formats besides claiming ever
