The next game to comment may seriously claim to be the most intriguing not only in today’s round, but in the tournament itself. And not because of its purely chess content. The reason is that in chess, unlike soccer, the arbiter seldom plays an active role in determining the outcome of the contest. Before the first control the rivals were able to manage on their own. Alexander Morozevich was able to surprise his opponent with a rare move in the Sveshnikov variation. Carlsen reacted calmly - he generally gives the impression of an extraordinarily calm youth - still the position he got was somewhat depressing. The Russian grandmaster was slowly and methodically tightening the rope around his opponent’s neck. The Norwegian defended sturdily, but still the issue was open whether White finds a winning plan (if it exists at all) or the “kid” adds to his assets the first half a point. Both spectators and journalists were in a state of relaxed expectation - as a Victorian novelist would sag: nothing presaged the disaster. In the closed position Morozevich tried to find the winning method. Carlsen defended. White failed to disturb the fragile equilibrium and at some point the Norwegian called the arbiter and claimed the threefold repetition of the position. The claim was satisfied: Geurt Gijssen recognized the game as drawn. Both grandmasters moved to the exit. Taken unawares, the journalists caught up with them on the staircase. The distressed Morozevich refused to comment on the game: ‘What am I to talk about if I cannot count up to three!’

While Magnus was demonstrating variations of the difficult game, offering his rival his condolences: ‘It certainly was nasty for Alexander to allow the repetition of moves in such a position’ - it has been found that in fact Alexander should feel even nastier about it, for, actually, there has not been a triple repetition at all! Indeed, the same position appeared for the third time, but with the other player having the move.

It is precisely this latter circumstance that the Chief Arbiter overlooked, while Morozevich seemed to rely upon his judgment. Later Geurt Gijssen made a statement to this effect. He also told ‘the latest news’ to the only one of the two participants of the drama who still remained in the playing area.

I am ready to play on’, said the descendant of the Vikings. All rushed to look for Morozevich - to no avail: he was obviously resting after the unfortunate game at a restaurant. Cynical journalists suggested that the justice should be restored and Alexander’s clock started. But, in the opinion of Morozevich’s coach grandmaster Alexey Kuzmin, a draw remains a draw, despite the arbiter’s wrong decision. Only thing remained unclear - what did Morozevich mean when complaining that he could not count up to three?

The Second Statement by Mr. Geurt Gijssen      
 
Today I had the opportunity to speak with GM Morozevich about my yesterday's wrong decision in his game with GM Carlsen.

I offered him my sincere apologies, which he accepted.

 
Geurt Gijssen