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Sunday, December 14, 2014
Warm Smiles in Cold London Chess Trivia: Name the former World Chess Champions
Hello chess blog friends, this lovely photo is by Kathy Kantariya at the London Chess Classic. You can find more photos by her at Chess News. First, our trivia question: This photo was taken at the London Chess Classic - Can you name the two former world chess champions greeting each other with warm smiles before their game?
Play Alongside World Chess Champions: Bid Last Date Nov 29
Hello chess blog friends, the 6th London Chess Classic will run from (6-14 December 2014 along with several wonderful parallel chess events as always! One of them could have you play alongside world chess champions.
Pro-Biz Cup - 9 December 2014, Olympia Conference Centre A unique chance to play chess alongside world champions!
The 2014 London Chess Classic features a doubles chess rapidplay knock-out tournament in which eight super-GMs – the Super Six, Fabiano Caruana, Vishy Anand, Vlad Kramnik, Anish Giri, Hikaru Nakamura and Mickey Adams, plus leading English grandmasters Nigel Short and Gawain Jones – partner top business leaders in competition for the prestigious Pro-Biz Cup currently held by Barclays Bank. Now what we are looking for are their doubles partners!
The first partnership which will compete in the 2014 Pro-Biz Cup has already been settled: Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward (left of picture) will play alongside English grandmaster Gawain Jones (right of picture) and the two are currently preparing themselves for the fray. The race is now on to match the other seven top chess players with partners from the world of business. For anyone interested in taking part, they can apply via a form on the website. There is field in the form which allows you to state your preferred partner – so bid quickly and generously to secure the super-grandmaster of your choice! All proceeds from this fun mini-tournament go to the Chess in School and Communities charity.
Doubles Chess Competition format: knock-out rapidplay with 25 minutes for each two-player team. In doubles chess, the four players each make a move in turn on the same board, hence the two players of a team play alternate moves without conferring. A new rule this year allows teams to take two one-minute time-outs in order to confer during a game. Play takes place in the auditorium. The three rounds are webcast at 10.45, 12.00 and 14.00.
All proceeds from this fun mini-tournament go to the Chess in School and Communities charity. Interested business people should register their interest and bid for a player via the form on the website.
Sir Clive Woodward is a rugby union international. After coaching club teams from 1990, he became England rugby coach in 1997 at a time when the game was transforming from amateur to professional status. Under Sir Clive’s management, England went on to win the Six Nation’s Grand Slam in in 2003 and the Rugby World Cup later the same year, beating the hosts and holders Australia in the final. To date, this is the only time that a European rugby team has won the sport’s most prestigious competition. Sir Clive has an interest in chess and how it can improve performance in sport, business and life. Pro-Biz Cup page | Register a bid for the Pro-Biz Cup | Video of the 2013 London Chess Classic Pro-Biz Cup | Find more deails at the official website of the London Chess Classic. From Alexandra Kosteniuk's www.chessblog.com Also
see her personal chess blog at www.chessqueen.com Don't miss Chess Queen™ YouTube
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GM Jonathan Rowson Gets London Chess Classic Wild Card Call-Up
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hello everyone,
The three-time British Champion, GM Jonathan Rowson, steps up to play in the biggest tournament of his career after being given the wild card spot into ‘The Super Sixteen’ Grandmaster Rapid at the London Chess Classic, that runs 7-15 December at the Kensington Olympia. Two spots remain to be filled for the Super Sixteen, and two players will win their way there from the FIDE Open at the Classic. It was hoped that the new World Champion, Magnus Carlsen would play in the London Chess Classic, which was the primary reason the wild card spot was devised this year for the tournament.
However, due to a heavy workload, and the need for rest after his recent title match in Chennai with Vishy Anand, Carlsen, regretfully, had to decline the spot. But an elated Rowson immediately accepted his invitation, tweeting: “Hugely grateful, very excited and suitably nervous to be 'the wild card' at the London Chess Classic. Inspired by Magnus, I'm going to prepare some endgames.”
Rowson, 36, who originally comes from Aberdeen, is the Scottish number one and was his country’s third grandmaster. In 2004-06, he won the British title – the first Scot in 58 years to do so - in three consecutive years. He also won the 2000 Canadian Open Championship and tied for first place in the Hastings International Chess Congress in 2003/04.
Outside of chess, Jonathan has degrees spanning a range of social science disciplines from Oxford and Harvard, that led to his Doctoral research. He is also Director of The Social Brain Project at the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce), and member of DCLG (Department for Communities and Local Government) Behavioural Science Network.
He also writes a weekly chess column for the Herald newspaper in Scotland, and has authored three critically acclaimed books on chess for Gambit Publications: Understanding the Grunfeld (1998), The Seven Deadly Chess Sins (2000), and Chess for Zebras.
Looking forward to Playing at London Chess Classic in Week's Time: Viswanathan Anand
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hello everyone,
Former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand, in his first detailed interview after losing the World Title to Magnus Carlsen, has said he is not retiring, but would first like to take a sabbatical to clear his mind. Anand told Indian news channel CNN-IBN on Friday that he was very happy the way the World Chess Championship was organised in Chennai and he looks forward to playing at the London Chess Classic in a few days' time.
Win London Chess Classic FIDE Open to Play in the Super-Sixteen with Anand, Kramnik and other Top Players
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
Chess in Schools and Communities has announced a novel event for any chess player, of any rating, to have their dream come true and compete alongside the World’s Elite and the Best of British at the 5th London Chess Classic, running from Saturday 7th December to Sunday 15th December 2013.
This year the LCC FIDE Open will qualify the two highest-scoring players after four rounds into the ‘Super Sixteen’ Rapidplay that features an all-star cast headed by World Champion Viswanathan Anand and the former champion Vladimir Kramnik. If more than two players are tied at the end of round four, the spots will be decided on a rating tie-break (the two players with the highest rating going forward). Anyone transferred will not lose out financially, as the lowest prize in the Super Sixteen is greater than the top prize in the FIDE Open.
This means there are now 15 spots accounted for in the Super Sixteen. And the final slot will be decided by a ‘Wild card’ selection to be announced by the organisers of the London Chess Classic in late November 2013.
The London Chess Classic FIDE Open is fast becoming one of the must-play Swiss Events on the international calendar - and this year, it will have a bumper prize-fund of over £10,000 (!), as well as the guaranteed participation of a minimum of 12 Grandmasters.
The 5th London Chess Classic will again be the largest Chess Festival held in the UK. Apart from the headlining Super Sixteen and the FIDE Open, there will also be a smorgasbord of side events catering for players of all ages and all ratings: a FIDE Weekday Tournament, 2 Weekend Tournaments, 4 Rapidplay Tournaments, 4 Blitz Tournaments and 3 Grandmaster Simultaneous Displays from past British Champions Julian Hodgson, John Nunn and Jon Speelman.
It promises to be the best chess you’ll play or see all year! The 5th London Chess Classic will run from Saturday 7th December to Sunday 15th December at the Olympia Conference Centre in Kensington. For more information and to enter online: www.londonclassic.com. For ticket and tournament related queries, call our hotline now: 020 7486 7015.
Chess Video: Anand, Uniacke Discuss Use of Computers by Top Chess Players
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
World chess champion Viswanathan Anand and other top players use computers to speed the learning process. Mark Uniacke (left), developer of the HIARCS computer chess program, and Viswanathan Anand, current world chess champion, discuss the evolution of computer use by top chess players. The video was made at the 4th London Chess Classic where four rounds have taken place so far. Wednesday is a rest day.
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The London Chess Classic 2012 Round 3 had plenty at stake - all for pawns really. On the one hand, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen pulled off a draw against former World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik despite being pawn down. On the other, World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand had nothing to make with his pawn advantage and had to settle for a draw against gritty play by World No. 2 Levon Aronian. Michael Adams used his rolling pawn to ground down Judit Polgar in the only decisive game of the day. The fourth game was theoretical endgame between Gawain Jones and Hikaru Nakamura - also a draw.
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The second round at the London Chess Classic 2012 saw both Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik win their games against Levon Aronian and Hikaru Nakamura. The highlight of the event so far is also the fact that World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen as broken Garry Kasparov's all-time highest rating of 2851 - though in live ratings as of now. Carlsen will have to maintain his performance throughout the tournament to have the record rating reflect in the Fide rating list to be released January 1, 2013 now. Carlsen's live rating is now 2856 as compared to Kasparov's record of 2851.
Meanwhile, World Chess Champion escaped a mean position with a draw against Luke McShane. Polgar tried hard against Gawain Jones, but the latter was up to the challenge. The 2012 London Chess Classic is taking place in the Olympia Conference Centre from Saturday, December 1st until Monday, December 10th. Click on the links below to see each of the games with Chess King. Round 2: Sunday, Dec. 2nd, 2012 Judit Polgar ½-½ Gawain Jones Hikaru Nakamura 0-1 Vladimir Kramnik Magnus Carlsen 1-0 Levon Aronian Vishy Anand ½-½ Luke McShane Michael Adams (bye) – assisting commentary Round 3: Monday, Dec. 3rd, 2012, 14:00h Levon Aronian - Vishy Anand Vladimir Kramnik - Magnus Carlsen Gawain Jones - Hikaru Nakamura Michael Adams - Judit Polgar Luke McShane (bye) – assisting commentary
Watch all the chess games live at the official website of the London Chess Classic, 2012.
London Chess Classic 2012 Begins - First Round Today
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Friday marked the opening of the 4th London Chess Classic, which succeeds last year’s tournament as the strongest ever chess tournament in Britain. The press conference was streamed live to the vast internet audience. The first games begin Saturday, December 1. You can watch all the games live at the official website of the tournament.
The participating Grandmasters also played a chess game via Twitter against 'The World' and duly won it.
The 4th London Chess Classic runs from 1-10 December 2012 at the Olympia Conference Centre, Kensington London W14 8UX. The players include world champion Vishy Anand, former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, and the top two players on the world rating list, Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian. Playing for the first time is the world’s best ever woman player Judit Polgar. Completing the line-up are US champion Hikaru Nakamura and three leading players from Britain, Luke McShane, Michael Adams and Gawain Jones.
London Chess Classic 2012 from Dec 1: Are You Ready for the Magic?
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The 4th London Chess Classic runs from 1-10 December 2012 at the Olympia Conference. This year’s line-up is stronger than ever, with an average rating higher than any previous chess tournament held in the UK. Heading the list are world champion Vishy Anand, former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, and the top two players on the world rating list, Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian. Playing for the first time is the world’s best ever woman player Judit Polgar. Completing the line-up are US champion Hikaru Nakamura and three leading players from Britain, Luke McShane, Michael Adams and Gawain Jones.
On November 30 at 1400 GMT 0900 EST there will be a press conference at the venue, followed by a London Classic Stars versus the Twittersphere exhibition match played via Twitter, allowing the world’s chess players to test their mettle against Carlsen, Anand and others. The press conference will be streamed live via the net: questions are welcome and may be sent in advance to director@londonchessclassic or in real-time via the official Twitter feed, which is @LondonClassic. (Please use the hashtag #londonchess in your tweets.) The opening ceremony for the Classic will take place at 1345 GMT on 1 December, with play beginning at 1400 GMT 0900 EST. Play will be streamed live via the official website. Live play, timetable, course details and tickets are available here: www.londonchessclassic.com.
CHESS IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES
The London Chess Classic is a festival of the world’s most enduring game, which is staged by Chess in Schools and Communities, a UK registered charity whose mission is to deliver chess to primary schools in UK inner cities.
Laws of Chess Changes that Might Influence Your Game
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012 Hi everyone, We have here a nice article on how some changes in the laws of chess might effect your game. The article is written by Albert Vasse, Chief Arbiter London Chess Classic 2012.
But, first you should also read the Chess Blog post:
Back to the article on rules: Vasse writes, "You should always play by the rules! So watch it; at the FIDE congress in Istanbul, some of the rules have been changed." These new Laws of Chess will take effect on the 1st of July 2013. Many of the changes in the text are just clarifications, but some go beyond cosmetics. I will work through some part of the text, picking ten changes that might directly influence your game. Of course I (have to) assume that you are familiar with the current Laws of Chess. I follow the order from the articles in the LoC.
London Chess Classic 2012 Round 1 Pairings Announced
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012 Hi everyone,
The first-round pairings of the London Chess Classic 2012 have been announced. The 2012 London Chess Classic will take place in the Olympia Conference Centre from Saturday, December 1st until Monday, December 10th. Games start each day in general at 14:00h London time, except for round four (16:00h) and the final round (12:00h). A win is counted as three points, a draw as one, and a loss zero. There are nine players, including the three top-ranked in the world, make for a rating average of 2751. The player with a bye during each round will provide commentary on the games in progress.
London Chess Classic: GM John Emms to play blitz with visitors
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
As a side event of the upcoming London Chess Classic, English Grandmaster John Emms will be taking on all-comers at blitz chess in the foyer at Olympia on Saturday 1st December and Saturday 8th December between 1pm and 7pm. John Emms has twice captained the English team at Olympiads. As well as a top player, John is an experienced coach and second who has worked with top players such as world championship finalist Michael Adams. John is also a highly respected chess writer, with many outstanding works to his name. As commissioning editor for Everyman Chess, he developed the extremely successful Move by Move series of books and has penned two of them himself, ‘The Sicilian Taimanov: Move by Move’ and ‘The Nimzo-Indian: Move by Move’, both of which have received rave reviews. He also wrote ‘Starting Out: The Sicilian’, which has become the standard reference book for those learning this opening.
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
There are now less than 110 days to go before the start of the 4th London Chess Classic, at ensington Olympia, that will run 1-10 December 2012. The field is almost complete, and already this week online tickets have gone on sale to the public for the year-ending chess spectacular.
All proceeds raised from tickets sales will again go towards supporting the Chess in Schools and Communities charity. In 2011, more than 600 children came to the London Chess Classic for free chess lessons from GMs, IMs and top chess coaches. This year the organisers aim to increase the number of invitations to schools for free lessons and free tuition. The London Chess Classic team will also be regularly updating their new FaceBook page with event details, historical chess facts, trivia and competitions. You can also follow them on Twitter @londonclassic. The entry form(s) are also now available at the official website to download for the many side events running alongside the Classic. The main festival events taking place are:
• FIDE Rated Open: Sat 1 - Sun 9 December. • 2 x Weekend Tournaments, Weekend Classic A: Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 December • and Weekend Classic B: Friday 7 - Sunday 9 December. • 2 x Rapidplays: Rapidplay A: Sun 2 December, Rapidplay B: Sun 9 December. • Classic Blitz: Every evening from Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 December.
The official London Chess Classic website has just reported that the World No. 1 among women, Judit Polgar of Hungary, has also signed up for the tournament this year. Polgar also celebrates her 36th birthday on Tuesday. The 4th London Chess Classic would be held at Kensington Olympia from December 1-10, 2012.
Polgar now joins World No 1 Magnus Carlsen, World Champion Vishy Anand, World No 2 Levon Aronian, the defending champion Vladimir Kramnik, and the UK No 1 Mickey Adams as those that have so far confirmed their invitations to play in the year-ending elite chess spectacular in the Capital City.
Judit Polgar has scaled the heights of rating among women and became a Grandmaster at the age of 15 years and five months. Judit has never played in women’s tournaments or indeed for the Women’s World Championship. “I always say that women should have the self-confidence that they are as good as male players, but only if they are willing to work and take it seriously as much as male players,” she once commented. From Alexandra Kosteniuk's www.chessblog.com Also see her personal blog at www.chessqueen.com
London Chess Classic 2012: Anand, Carlsen Confirm Participation
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand and World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen have confirmed their entry to the London Chess Classic 2012 beginning on December 1. Anand was the first to accept the invitation and Carlsen followed suit within a day.
The 4th London Chess Classic will be held at Kensington Olympia, 1-10 December, 2012. Anand has said London is one of his favourite cities and this will be his third successive appearance in the tournament. For well over a decade now, Anand has been among the world’s top five players, and the first Indian to earn the grandmaster title. He played in his first World Championship match back in 1995 in New York, losing to Garry Kasparov. In May, he beat challenger Boris Gelfand in Moscow to clinch his fifth world championship title. He has also won the Chess Oscar (Player of the Year award) 6 times.
Magnus Carlsen recently topped the Fide July rating list with a personal best of 2837, just 14-points off of the all-time 2851 record set by Garry Kasparov - and the young Norwegian World No 1 could be on-course to break that record in London, as he now joins World Champion Vishy Anand in being the second player to sign-up for the 4th London Chess Classic, at Kensington Olympia, 1-10 December, 2012.
Carlsen, described as “The Mozart of Chess”, is one of the true superstars of the game, and this will be his fourth consecutive appearance at the London Chess Classic. Since January 2010, Carlsen has held onto the rating top spot 13 times, and is the current two-time winner of the Chess Oscar (Player of the Year award). Next year, he will also be bidding to win the Candidates tournament in London, in order to set-up a world title match-up with Anand.
And he’s just as big a star off the board as he is on it. A lucrative advertising campaign in 2010 with Dutch clothing label, G-Star Raw, has also seen Carlsen stake a claim to being the first Grandmaster supermodel, appearing alongside actress Gemma Arterton on billboards around the world. Earlier this year, Carlsen also appeared on major US TV networks, such as CBS’s flagship current affairs show, “60 minutes”, and Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report”.
Invitations have also been sent to Kramnik, Nakamura, Aronian, Judit, Adams, McShane and Jones. Read our earlier Chess Blog post:
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
London Chess Classic director IM Malcolm Pein has said that the Candidates' schedule in London (October 24th - November 12th) might jeopardise the the organisation of the 4th London Classic in December.
IMPein has said, "Although some players have indicated they would still play the 4th LCC, I am not sure if the public and particularly the media would have the appetite for two elite tournaments in London staged so close together." You can read more in The Week in Chess.
First time in chess world: Commentary for hearing impaired at London Chess Classic
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hello everyone,
We found this interesting article on the Fide website. BSL - British Sign Language - commentary was provided to chess players for the first time ever at the London Chess Classic 2011! Here is the full story.
This ground breaking intiative arose from a conversation between Adam Raoof (English Chess Federation Director of Home Chess) and Barry David (Chairman of the English Deaf Chess Association) at Hendon Chess Club in London where it became clear that deaf people using BSL (British Sign Language) could not access the commentary at elite chess tournaments. Indeed, it was thought that there had never been anything like a BSL-interpreted chess commentary anywhere. It was immediately agreed to do something to change this, with co-funding from the ECF and International Master Malcolm Pein organiser of the upcoming London Chess Classic.
In an ideal world the BSL interpreter would have a grade of over 200 (2200 or above in FIDE terms) to understand and convey different variations discussed. Unfortunately this is not an ideal world that we live in where there are only around 100 fully qualified BSL interpreters in the whole of the UK and the chances of one of them being a regular chess player are very small indeed! Barry thought the best possible fully qualified interpreter available would be someone who has played chess socially and understood how to convey different variations and comments at a basic level.
We managed to get the services of BSL interpreter Darren Townsend-Handscombe for one day at the London Chess Classic. The next task for the English Deaf Chess Association was to pick which day - we decided on Sunday 11th December to get as many deaf chess enthuiasts along for a great day out. Nearer the time after the draw was made, we were very happy and got lucky with this choice as it meant seeing the World no.1, Magnus Carlsen against the World Champion, Vishy Anand as well as having Garry Kasparov popping over on this very same day for a book signing.
Upon arrival at the Olympia venue with 6 EDCA and London Deaf Chess Club members, we got into the lift taking us to the floor where all the chess events were taking place, we were starstruck at sharing the lift with Magnus Carlsen who was engaged in a relaxed conversation with his father (don't ask us what it was about, we're deaf!) moments before facing Vishy Anand. David Howell as also nearby in the same lift. Before we could say good luck to them the lift door opened and the TV camera quickly focussed on and followed Carlsen with cameras flashing at him while we made our way quietly to meet Adam and Darren to discuss the day ahead.
We just about made it half way through the introductions on stage for each player about to play chess. This was a little choatic with so many people taking pictures and other people on stage but it was worth it for the atmosphere. We stayed to watch the first few moves to take note of what the opening was for each game before we made our way to the commemtary room to the front of the audience with our reserved seats - maybe we should have been in the VIP room instead?
We were treated to excellent commentary from Daniel King and Stuart Conquest whose easy going styles made it easy for Darren to interpret. Lawrence Trent also provided commentary later on and was also good value with some humourous moments. Later on we were fortunate to have the legendary Victor Korchnoi saying a few words but his heavily accented voice made it difficult for Darren to interpret! Michael Adams also popped in for a few minutes to provide some words of wisdom with his assessment of the games played so far. His quiet Cornish accent was another challenge for Darren to tackle but he managed to get throught that ok!
All in all it was definitely an enjoyable day to remember and indeed a historic one for being the first ever BSL interpreted chess commentary at a major event. The EDCA are grateful to Adam Raoof for the arrangements and to the English Chess Federation and the London Chess Classic for the funding. We certainly hope that this service can be repeated in future and we hope to see more deaf BSL users take advantage.
by Alasdair MacLeod, Secretary, English Deaf Chess Association
We wish them luck with their future chess endeavours for the hearing impaired.
EXCLUSIVE To Eurosport-Yahoo: Tennis legend Boris Becker tells Eurosport-Yahoo! that playing chess is the key to unlocking a mental edge on the court and cites Roger Federer as the master.
Becker revealed his love for chess and ritual of playing the game before going on court to ensure that he was mentally prepared for battle against rivals such as John McEnroe.
The six-time Grand Slam singles champion believes that Roger Federer would be the best chess player and regards his strategic thinking as the key to the Swiss star's success.
"One thing that not many people know about me is my love for chess. I took it up as a teenager, and it always helped my tennis as a mental stimulation," Becker told Eurosport-Yahoo!.
"Like in tennis, strategy is very important in chess. It's a one-on-one situation, and it is very important to always remain one step ahead of the opponent.
"I used to prepare for my tennis matches by playing chess, and it would get my mind stimulated and focused before going on court. It was essentially a mental warm-up."
He added: "Mental energy is hugely important for success in tennis, and chess is the perfect way to tune the mind in to the stresses and strains of the game.
"Of the current players, Roger Federer would be the best. He thinks in the right way, always trying to stay one step ahead of his opponent and always concentrating on strategy and tactics."
Becker is adamant that chess should be used by the current top players to gain a competitive and mental edge over their opponents.
"Many of the older players such as Ivan Lendl used to play chess, but I'm not sure if many of the modern-day players play the game," he said.
"Rafael Nadal would also be good at chess because he is a strategic thinker and remains very focused on court, but Federer would be the best.
"Federer still has the hunger, desire, fitness and ability to win Grand Slams, and I can see him becoming the world's best once more in 2012.
"Chess involves the same mental approach as tennis, and many players could improve their performance if they employed such methods to focus on the game before they go on court," he added.
Becker believes 2011 will go down as one of the greatest ever years in men's tennis, and puts the dramatic rise to prominence of Novak Djokovic down to his mental strength.
"Novak Djokovic, something must have exploded in his mind because he has suddenly become a much more focused, mentally strong player," he said.
"His performance has dramatically improved over the last 12 months, and I think much of his development has been mental.
"Essentially, Djokovic is thinking much better in crucial moments of matches, and that is the key to his success."
He added: "Andy Murray has the quality and the talent, and he must find now find this same ingredient.
"Without doubt, 2011 has been one of the best ever seasons in the history of men's tennis and next season can be even better."
Boris Becker was speaking at the opening day of the London Chess Classic 2011 at Kensington Olympia. The tournament runs until 12th December and tickets are available at www.chessinschools.co.uk
London Chess Classic Grandmasters challenge the world on Twitter
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2011
Hello everyone,
The highest level game of chess ever played on Twitter will launch the 3rd London Chess Classic at Olympia. The game will begin at 14.45 UK time 09.45 EST on December 2nd at the conclusion of the opening press conference which is being streamed live at londonchessclassic.com.
Questions may be put to the players in advance to press@londonchessclassic.com Webmasters can also send questions from readers.
All Twitter users will be challenged to a game against the nine grandmasters competing in the strongest tournament ever staged in the UK. The London Chess Classic line up includes the world’s top four players; world champion Vishy Anand, world number one Magnus Carlsen, Levon Aronian ranked three and former world champion Vladimir Kramnik. Prolific chess 'tweeter' Hikaru Nakamura will be making some moves, as will the four English GMs in the field; Michael Adams, Nigel Short, Luke McShane and David Howell.
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12th Women's World Chess Champion
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