The temperature dipped
 to zero in Wijk aan Zee yet the matches generated enough heat to keep the atmosphere warm. The best-played game of the meet was that of Shirov and Kasparov. It also repeated history when at the beginning of the match Kasparov refused to shake hand with his opponent Alexie Shirov. After the match Kasparov briefed the assembled press about the whole incident. "I regret that for the first time I have refused to shake the hand of an opponent because Shirov had repeatedly made various comments insulting Vladi (Kramnik) and me in public that our London (Brain Games) match was fixed. If it was fixed, how come I lost?
 When I met Shirov in Wijk Aan Zee I talked to him and asked him to apologies. I told Alexie, that one can get worked up and this is understandable but now it is time to admit your mistake. He didn't give me any clear answer - and after this I couldn't shake his hand before the game. I'm sorry to say that for the first time in my life I had to disregard this fine tradition. Besides this I very much wanted to win this game, as today, 30 years ago my father died and I wanted this match dedicated to my father. I'm proud that I managed to win this crucial game - and to do it smoothly and earnestly."
Report
& Photos by Vijay Kumar
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