Vladimir Kramnik Retires from Professional Chess

Photo: Tata Steel Chess

Fourteenth World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik (Russia) announced his retirement today at the conclusion of 2019 Tata Steel Masters.

Kramnik was world champion from 2000 until 2007. He dethroned Garry Kasparov by beating him 8.5 – 6.5 in 2000. In 2007, he lost the title to Viswanathan Anand, who won the World Chess Championship 2007 tournament ahead of Kramnik. He challenged Anand at the World Chess Championship 2008 to regain his title but lost  6½ to 4½ (three wins to Anand, one win to Kramnik, seven draws). Nonetheless, he has remained a top player.

“I already decided to finish my professional chess career a couple of months ago and now, after having played my last tournament, I would like to announce it publicly,” said the Russian Grandmaster.

“The life of a professional chess player was a great journey and I am very thankful to chess for all it has given me. It has sometimes been difficult, sometimes more successful than I could ever imagine, but in any case it has been a priceless human experience for me. I have always tried my best to give it all from my side, being fully involved in it while working and playing chess.”

Source: Tata Steel Chess