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

I was lucky enough to attend schools where they were understanding about when I needed to go abroad to play chess. Of course, socially it is important to go to school and interact with people your own age.

Maybe if I didn't have the talent in chess I'd find the talent in something else. The only thing I know is that I have talent in chess, and I'm satisfied with that.

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

For me right now I think being the world number one is a bigger deal than being the world champion because I think it shows better who plays the best chess. That sounds self-serving but I think it's also right.

I'm not really into rap.

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