Vladimir Kramnik's congratulation on Aeroflot Open to
the participants and organizers of the tournament
"Dear Sirs and Madams, dear chess lovers,
I am sorry, that due to the preparation for tournament in Linares, Spain and
because of other duties in Western Europe I was not able to participate
personally in the opening of 2003 in my native city. Nevertheless,
I would like to express my special gratitude for this invitation.
Unbelievable resonance in chess world, participation of more than 500 chess
players, among them there are 150 my colleagues - grandmasters, all that
reveals that a tournament, although being held for a second time, has
already gained prestige niche in sport competition schedule. In this year
"Aeroflot Open 2003", is estimated and taken with great enthusiasm by all
chess world.
I would like to congratulate the organizers on their decision to hold
this year in Moscow competitions on classic chess. It might become a
good tradition. Only classical or professional time control provides
to a player the unique opportunities for experience of all the beauty
and thorough fullness of our wonderful game. I am sure, that one can
expect excellent games, which shall be remembered for a long period
of time. It seems to me, that it has great importance nowadays, where
love of spectators are so short. I am specially pleased with the fact,
that a winner of "Aeroflot Open" shall, subsequently be invited to
Dortmund for a classical supertournament, which I have won six times
already, and I am going to participate this year.
It is good that such a big enterprise as "Aeroflot" realizes the meaning
of chess in the sphere of mass media, advertisement and public relations.
I would like to congratulate "Aeroflot" representatives on their perspective
decision.
I wish good luck to all participants of splendid games and to
organizers - successful accomplishment of tournament."
Vladimir Kramnik
World chess champion
06.02.2003
