I want to specially thank Oyvind Von Doren for the amazing watch he gifted players at the closing of Norway Chess. It is so beautiful! A true work of art. It's called Aurora Borealis - Northern Lights. I will always treasure it Oyvind.
Just to add my 2 cents. I think and in my opinion Kramnik's response to Daniel's passing was cold and heartless. I didn't want to say anything in the beginning because it is not my place and Vlad has always been great towards me but things have gotten too far. In my personal view
Rest in peace Daniel Naroditsky. You had always been one of us. A true colleague and a friend. You have an upbeat, smart, and charming personality. You had a wonderful and great life awaiting you, which was cut abruptly short. I remember first meeting you in Quebec back in 2012
I never said you ruined anyone's life. I asked a question if it is worth it to ruin a young life over a game that they may or may not have cheated? If you feel someone cheated, just report them and move on. Or don't play online.
Thank you to everyone who noticed my Sinquefield win and sent a kind message. For me, the draw of chess isn't fame or even money. I play because I love this game. I had a peak experience yesterday, but even during the valley times, it's beauty and interest never fades for me.
No one wants anyone to have a nervous breakdown, least of all to kids. No one wants to hurt you or your family, but the things you were doing in the past could intentionally or not cause someone to have a nervous breakdown as well. We just need to ignore social media.
I never supported threats. People who do that hide behind fake names. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you. You have helped me in my career which I appreciate. Chess world loved you.
But maybe now is a good time to just stop all this crap and apologize. Someone just died.
Thank you to the lovely towns I played in, Dusseldorf, Munich and Deggendorf. So many wonderful people, volunteering and going out of their way to make it happen.