Ponomariov's letter is from Chess today issue ct-118(1267)
Tuesday 27th April 2004: excerpts below
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Ponomariov
:
I suggest that we revise the Prague agreements, because currently we don't
have a distinct scheme for determining the unified World Champion. If we
follow the existing scheme worked out by FIDE, then we will only have a
new champion in two or three years. I suggest a compromise settlement: to
arrange a match-tournament to determine the absolute champion, like it was
in 1948, with the participation of Ponomariov, Kasparov, Kramnik, Leko,
Anand and the winners of the Libya tournament. The approximate dates would
be December 2004 – January 2005
Respectfully yours,
Ruslan Ponomariov."
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Hangin's take:
As far as Ponomariov's call for
another 1948 style championship tournament consisting of Kasparov, Anand,
Leko, Kramnik, Ponomariov and the Winner of the Tripoli's Knockout.
Ponomariov's proposal is very unfair.
Why do we need two FIDE Knock out winners? Only the Tripoli
Knockout winner is needed. Why not replace Ponomariov (top 10
player) with Topalov (top 5), Svidler (top 6) or Morozevich (top 7).
These players are a lot more deserving of consideration in such a
tournament. Lets not forget
the 1948 World Championship tournament included 5 of the best players in
the world. I would much
rather see Kasparov vs. Anand in a 12 game match, that could be another
Ali vs. Frasier two. There is precedence for such a match.
In 1978 Bobby Fischer refused his right, as a true ex world
champion, to be seeded in the 1978 world championship cycle. Fide stayed
the course by selecting Bobby Fischer’s predecessor, Boris Spassky.
Should Tripoli fall through, FIDE is well within its rights to
select Anand as Ponomariov’s
replacement. Kasparov brings great value into the reunification
process. For the good of the reunification, Kasparov should only be
eliminated via match play. This is the only way Kasparov’s value can be
passed to another player.
Why would the 14th World Champion, Vladimir Kramnik risk his title in such
a tournament ? Kramnik is the absolute world champion. He will defend his
title in September
of 2004 against Peter Leko. Ponomariov had his opportunity, but he
rejected reunification.
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