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.

You need to have that edge, you need to have that confidence, you need to have that absolute belief that you're - you're the best and you'll win every time.

I don't think there is a thing like overconfidence in chess. It's always better to be too confident than too reluctant.

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

I am trying to beat the guy sitting across from me and trying to choose the moves that are most unpleasant for him and his style.

Self-confidence is very important. If you don't think you can win, you will take cowardly decisions in the crucial moments, out of sheer respect for your opponent. You see the opportunity but also greater limitations than you should. I have always believed in what I do on the chessboard, even when I had no objective reason to. It is better to overestimate your prospects than underestimate them.

I'm not really into rap.