In this fourth episode of the "Wijk aan Zee Storytellers" series, Eric van Reem talks to GM Ivan Sokolov, who played twelve times in the highest group of the tournament in Wijk aan Zee, in which he played 134 games. He played his most famous game in 1999 in Wijk aan Zee against GM Garry Kasparov, who was in the lead with 7,5/8 and had just played one of the most spectacular games ever against Veselin Topalov.
However, Sokolov crushed Kasparov in round 9 and shocked Kasparov and the chess world.
He talks a bit about that game, but there are other, sometimes hilarious stories to tell. Sokolov also talks about the 2021 edition of the event and tells us why he is not surprised that the youngsters play such a great tournament this year.
Ivan Sokolov (1968) is a Bosnian-born Dutch chess player, coach and writer. He was awarded the title of Grandmaster (GM) by FIDE in 1987. Sokolov won the 1988 Yugoslav Championship and in 1995 and 1998 the Dutch Championship. The former world top player defeated no less than 6 world champions.
You can follow GM Ivan Sokolov on Twitter.
All the information about the tournament and links that will guide you to the right place, can be found on the official website of the tournament. TATA Steel Chess is also on Twitter. Use the hashtag #tatasteelchess.
Have a look at the statistics here: All time statistics.
All crosstables and more information about the event in Wijk aan Zee can be found on the Wikipedia site.
Host : Eric van Reem
Guest : GM Ivan Sokolov (NED)
Editor : Dennis van Reem
Artwork : Fränk Stiefel
Music : Chess Pieces-Silent Partner
Feedback: talkingchess@gmail.com or tweet @ChessClassic
