One of the things that first attracted me to chess is that it brings you into contact with intelligent, civilized people - men of the stature of Garry Kasparov, the former world champion, who was my part-time coach.

I think with chess as with everything, marketing is the main issue.

Once you're a chess player, you spend a lot of time thinking about the game and you can't get it completely out of your head.

Some people think that if their opponent plays a beautiful game, it's OK to lose. I don't. You have to be merciless.

If you want to get to the top, there's always the risk that it will isolate you from other people.

It's just not my nature to go around idolizing people.

I played like a child!