Q1:  What was the longest game you have played?
A1: The game against Anna Muzychuk at North Urals 2007, 154 moves.

Q2: Has the Internet helped promote chess (in your opinion)?
A2: Generally speaking, yes. Nowadays one can watch broadcasts from chess tournaments all over the world, find sparring partners, communicate with chess friends, stay tuned to the news, etc.

Q3: What do you think about the ChessMaster series?
A3: They are quite entertaining and lively, can be especially recommended for kids. However, professionals are somewhat sceptical of the software since the engine itself is not top-notch (although quite strong).

Q4: Is there an opening novelty played by you that you are particularly proud of?
A4: I don't pay special attention to "greatest victories" or "fantastic novelties" that people like to ask about. Well...A few titled players mentioned that some of my plans/ideas in the Dragon were quite instructive.

Q5: Any embarassing accident that happened with you in chess?
A5: Embarassing? Well, I used to forget my openings or mix up preparation sometimes. Drew a knight and two connected pawns vs knight endgame once. Got mated without seeing it.

Less chess related: a chess book had a story about me forgetting the keys to my hotel room and having to play the game in a swimming suit, thus distracting the whole playing hall. A made-up accident though

Q6: Do you play at ICC/PlayChess/Chess.com, etc.? Fancy a game?
A6: Naturally, I have accounts at all these playing zones. However, lately I don't have much time for Internet blitz, sorry!

Q7: How do you evaluate Magnus Carlsen's chances of winning the challenge vs the World?
A7: The World will have a very low amount of time to choose one of the moves suggested by Nakamura, Vachier- Lagrave and Judit Polgar. Basically, it means choosing a RANDOM move out of those 3. This should not be enough to withstand the pressure of the World's number 1 (unless he blunders). Magnus is a clear favorite, in my opinion.