Mikhail Golubev answers the ACP questions

Русская версия

Mikhail Golubev answers the ACP questions

The FIDE elections are coming. Which candidate do you support?

Not Ilyumzhinov.

I think that the forthcoming elections is a test for FIDE on democracy and effectiveness. On the other hand, the present election system is far from optimal. In my opinion, it would be more correct to weigh each federation's vote proportional to a number of players representing a particular federation in the FIDE rating list.

What is your attitude to the suggested “2700 Rule”, which makes a player rated 2700 and above, who secured the required prize fund and was approved by FIDE, eligible to challenge the world champion between scheduled matches?

I am rather positive about this rule, because it might represent the only chance of seeing classical matches for the chess crown. There should probably be a deadline for submitting such applications, and in case there is more than one candidate, a higher-rated candidate should have a priority.

What could be done to promote and popularize chess by FIDE, ACP, chess professionals themselves?

FIDE can elect a new president and stop antagonizing and scaring away the mass media. Chess professional can join the ACP in case they haven't done it yet.

Do you play chess in the Internet? Do you think official tournaments in the net have future?

Talking about professional tournaments, I can't see brilliant prospective. However, occasional interesting events will surely be taking place. Sometimes I play in the Internet tournaments, but only when there is a chance to win a prize - certain motivation is necessary!

What do you expect from the ACP this year?

Possibly, more active cooperation with non-chess media. If I am not mistaken, a sponsor of Kramnik-Leko match (2004) initially became interested in organizing chess events after reading a chess-related article in a newspaper. The same story can happen with ACP competitions.