Alexander Morozevich

An unorthodox player and indomitable warrior always spoiling for a fight, Alexander Morozevich is one of the most interesting grandmasters of modern chess. He made his international debut as a teenager at the elite Tilburg Interpolis Tournament of 1993, where the shy youngster became the darling of the public for his unique style in an impressive series of consecutive wins against three well-known members of the chess establishment. A year later, he again stunned the chess world when he won the Lloyds Bank Open in London with a phenominal 10.5/11. His predilection for unusual openings does not always make for the best results in match play but that has not prevented him from gradually rising through the ranks to reach his current fourth position in the FIDE ratings. In the tournament arena, where he loves to uncork theoretical novelties and unleash the most daring attacks, he can be virtually irresistible. Asked to describe his style, he replied: “Honestly, I don’t know. It always turns out crazy: something is always hanging and my King is constantly open… But is seems that I can play different chess yet.” Some of his peers feel his chess is “incorrect” but that does not seem to worry him in the least. “Such talk doesn’t bother me at all, I play as I understand the game and see fit.”