Kramnik accuses Chessbase India | Drama at the Olympiad

Summary

In a post-match interview, Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik expressed satisfaction with his team's 2-2 tie, despite being close to victory. The discussion shifted to a controversy regarding a cell phone recording a game, which Kramnik deemed a violation of chess rules. He requested its removal, citing potential for cheating despite the absence of a SIM card. The Indian team's chief arbiter clarified that the phone was authorized and had no SIM card or apps, just a camera for recording games. Kramnik considered appealing the decision, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to anti-cheating measures.

Takeaways

• 🏆 Vladimir Kramnik, a former world chess champion, is interviewed after a match that ended in a 2-2 tie.
• 🤔 Kramnik expresses satisfaction with the tie but indicates his team was close to winning.
• 📱 A controversy arises over a cell phone recording the top board game, which Kramnik claims violates the rules.
• 🚫 Kramnik insists on the removal of the phone, stressing it could theoretically transmit moves, potentially aiding cheating.
• 🔍 The Fair Play Team is mentioned, but Kramnik is skeptical about their effectiveness and the seriousness of anti-cheating measures.
• 🗣️ Kramnik plans to discuss with his team and consider an official appeal regarding the cell phone incident.
• 📹 The interviewer clarifies that the phones were provided by ChessBase India and were authorized by the Arbiter for recording purposes.
• 📖 A discussion on the FIDE handbook's rules regarding electronic devices in the playing venue is highlighted.
• 🤝 The importance of clear communication and regulations by the FIDE to prevent such controversies is emphasized.
• 💡 The interview concludes with a call for patience and waiting for more facts to emerge regarding the potential appeal.

Q & A

What was the outcome of the chess match between Vladimir Kramnik's team and the opposing team?

The match ended in a 2-2 tie.

How does Vladimir Kramnik feel about the match result?

He is happy with the result, considering it a good outcome, but he also expressed that they were very close to winning.

What controversy arose during the match?

A controversy arose when a cell phone recording the top board Grandmaster Gash's game was present, which Kramnik considered a violation of the rules.

Why did Vladimir Kramnik ask for the cell phone to be removed?

He believed it was a violation of the rules since phones are not allowed in the playing area, and they could potentially be used to transmit moves.

What was the response from the fair play team regarding the cell phone?

The fair play team had already checked the phones and found no SIM cards or apps, and they were being used as video cameras to record the games.

Does the chess handbook prohibit the use of mobile phones in the playing venue?

Yes, according to Rule 12.8, unless authorized by the Arbiter, it is forbidden to use mobile phones or any kind of communication device in the playing venue.

What was the position of the chief Arbiter regarding the incident?

The chief Arbiter did not want to go on record until a decision on whether to appeal or not was made.

What is the role of ChessBase India in this incident?

ChessBase India provided the phones that were used to record the matches, and they are a separate entity from the Indian Olympiad team.

What is the general sentiment among commentators about fair play in chess?

The commentators emphasize the importance of fair play and the need for clear regulations and communication to avoid such controversies.

What is the next step in addressing the controversy according to the script?

Vladimir Kramnik and his team will discuss whether to make an official appeal regarding the incident.