Vladimir became the 14th world champion in 2000 by decisively defeating
then world champion Garry Kasparov by a score of 8.5-6.5. Kramnik rating
once broke the 2800 plateau. The 14th World Champion had a very successful
2004.
His team
organized a world championship match in Switzerland with sponsor Dannemann.
It was an exciting match against challenger Peter Leko. Kramnik took the
lead early, but a determined Leko came charging back to take a one point
lead. Kramnik, the python, wrapped his coils around Leko during the last
quarter of the match. Kramnik was able to win the final game and
tie the match. Kramnik retained his title with an 7-7 score. It was an accomplishment similar to Kasparov's last game heroics
during the 1987 match against Karpov.
To Kramnik's credit he has
expanded his opening repertoire and started to play 1.e4 with white.
It just goes to show you that even a world champion can expand and improve
on his play.
Kramnik's other accomplishments during the year:
1)
First
place at Linares
2)
2nd
place finish at Dortmund, behind Anand
3)
First
place at Monaco Amber
The world champion was also busy promoting the game, he played two simuls
against the German national men's and women's teams. This reporter
hopes that Kramnik will honor the spirit of Prague. This reporter
would also like to see Kramnik help promote chess in the United States.
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