Kirsan Ilyumzhinov: “Kramnik’s retirement is stunning. He is in his prime."

The sixth FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov commented on Vladimir Kramnik’s decision to finish his career.

“His retirement is stunning, he is in his prime. We remember Vasily Smyslov, who played to a very old age; Viktor Korchnoi played at the World Chess Olympiad when he was 80 years old. But Kramnik decided differently, apparently seeing his future in a different way.

He is truly an outstanding champion. As President of FIDE, sometimes I asked him to meet with young chess players, and he never refused. All his life he was dedicated to chess. He will remain an outstanding chess player, and I think that he will continue to popularize this game. Wherever he is, I am always ready to be there and help him,” Ilyumzhinov said.

Recall that Kramnik is the 14th world chess champion.

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Kirsan Ilyumzhinov: “Kramnik’s retirement is stunning. He is in his prime."

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