The story left an unpleasant taste in my mouth. Although Ms. Kosteniuk is now an adult, calling a child or adolescent "mouse-like", who "even now" makes a "feeble impression" strikes me as rather ungentlemanly and classless. Euwe's claim that the story is not about Alexandria at all is ridiculous, but he is right that it reflects far more on the author than it does on Ms. Kosteniuk or her father.

@ranger, perhaps you don't know the background of this story. It was the Kosteniuks themselves who at the time of their book created and exploited a particular 'image' of Alexandra (suggestive photos etc.) when she was still a child or adolescent. That is indeed why I wrote the last paragraph. On me, Alexandra has never made that impression. She's a very likeable girl, but I have known her only as shy and mouse-like - indeed like myself, as any average reader could have understood from the story. I don't see what's so 'unpleasant' about this.
If anything, I suppose certain pictures of 16 year old Alexandra in bathing suit should leave an 'unpleasant taste' in some people's mouths. It's not up to me to judge this, and I'm sure she has grown over it long ago, but I don't see why I shouldn't write about it either.

These kinds of stories are the ones we like to read. thank you , Arne and keep up the good work.

@Karpanskyarov: I think the story is not about Alexandra at all, but about the author (notice also the title). If there's anyone consciously described in a "unflattering terms", it's the "fragile ego" of the writer, not Alexandra. It's rather easy to describe a story as 'banal' if you don't read between the lines and regard it as a piece of journalism or gossip only.

And now...

Vladimir Kramnik 51%
Viswanathan Anand 50%

One thing is certain about this match, it won't be decided by polls.

Perhaps something is lost in the translation, but the story came across as banal. Other than describing Mrs. Kosteniuk in unflattering terms and insinuating that her father is perhaps a little strange, there's nothing of substance. I doubt a similar story titled "Me and Anand" would make the cut to appear on this site.
Is there some general animosity towards female chess players, or a more specific disdain of Alexandra? For those with a fragile ego it is perhaps understandable for there to be negative feelings towards a female that it is better at chess than 99.5% of the people who visit this site, but you would think winning the world title (even a "women's" title) would afford her some respect.

@ i?Ǭ¥m back: I hope vishy wins , but what is more important to me : i hope nobody cheats.

Nice story! I remember the Dutch version from some years ago, but it's great to read it again and it deserves an international audience. It has this bittersweet life-passing-you-by touch that is easy to relate to.

Of course this is no ordinary "gossip" story! If anything, just read the last paragraph again. It should be quite obvious.

hi

Who will win the 2008 World Championship Match?

Viswanathan Anand (51%)
Vladimir Kramnik (50%)

Total Votes: 296

some are more equal than others

@E - it has to do with hormones and the male/female ratio in chess, not at all unreasonable...

@E: Maybe they think she?Ǭ¥s beautifull compared with the other top female players.I wonder what can J Polgar think of this WWC.

Cut & Paste story... I've read it before, long ago

Not Cut & Paste, it's called translation, Andy. It was published in the Dutch language on the predecessor of this website, Doggers-schaak.nl, on April 23rd, 2006, when we didn't write in English yet.

Great story, it has a certain dream-like quality (the part with scanners and inaudible omission).

This is a little gem, thank you Arne!

Translating such nice articles is a good idea, I found this quite funny :)

What a story! But here in the Netherlands I also knew people who had these scanners and would listen all night to the conversations of the police officers. Maybe he will read this and tell us now why he wanted them :|

Prachtig verhaal! Heel invoelbaar.

I never understood how one sees a "babe" in Kosteniuk. The Anna Kournikova of chess... Give me a break.

Oops a blitz game *blush* Did not notice that in time...

I might be mistaken, but even though the book was translated as "How I became a grandmaster at 14", the Russian original means "How to become a grandmaster at 14", so I don?Ǭ¥t really understand why the English translator decided to give the title such a turn because, true as it is that the English title is not completely true, I think it?Ǭ¥s totally licit to advise people on how to become a GM at 14 even if it took you more time... just a comment on something unimportant.

So what about showing the game? Not everybody carries the scalp of a future worldchampion on his belt.... and a glamourous scalp for that matter!

Intersting story Arne. I enjoy it very much. Thanks....and write more :)

Publishing this story wants us to take a closer look on Kosteniuk's moves, right?

I am suspicious of those radio scanner or walkie talkies

1. 0-0-0

You did an individual a personal favor some years back. His daughter happens to be famous, and now you sell out his integrity like this? Indeed tasteless, pointless (except, unfortunately, there are many vulgar people who enjoys this kind of seedy crap) and stupid. I'm happy there are people like Karpanskyarov and ranger224 out there though. Oh, and the subtle irony of smith pleases me of course.

Respect the integrity of your fellow human beings.

@Jarvis, not that it's relevant but for your information, mr. Kosteniuk himself has said he liked the story. In Holland, we have an expression for your kind of demand for respect: "More Catholic than the Pope".

he who does not perceive depth, thinks the world is flat

This is an interesting and insightful article. The main theme has to do with the tremendously difficult voyage that took Kosteniuk to the World Championship. The article brings home the point that she practically came out of nowhere with not much more than her talent and her father's support. IMHO, the few mistakes made along the route only underscore the difficulty of the enterprise. I would dare to say you don't have to like her but you have to respect her.

"Even now I thought she made a feeble impression"

Arne, Arne, Arne!

Perhaps it is time for you to visit an optometrist!!