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

The Nanjing games are homework by Garry Kasparov and me, [...] Today's game was provided by Garry.

I learnt an enormous amount, but there came a point where I found there was too much stress. It was no fun any more. Outside of the chessboard I avoid conflict, so I thought this wasn't worth it.

My father, a fine chess player himself, has been a massive influence throughout my life.

All I expect are wins and to get pleasure from the game. And if someone thinks something about me, if someone's dissatisfied with something... that's not my headache. I hope someday I'll become World Champion - and I'll make all these people happy. But even if for some reason that doesn't happen it won't stop me getting pleasure from chess. I'm sure of that.

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

Contrary to many young Colleagues, I do believe that it makes sense to study the Classics.