Nice post.
Brechalov: “Chess in Udmurtia is more than just chess”. Karjakin: “Yes, I see that 
”
What do you think they meant?
/ Gerber fest ? In America, Gerber sells baby food. They actually have a Gerber fest.
I see that Gerber fest is a pagan solstice holiday in Udmurtia. Are there any sacrifices?
Surely! There must be some sacrifices at national holiday!
After Karjakin’s fascinating rook sacrafice against Fabiano Caruana in the final round of World Championship Candidates in 2016 everyone in Russia knows that Sergey is a great expert in sacrifices — that’s why he was invited to the fest!
Arthur, will you allow me to copy your article (indicating the author, of course) to the forum of the Karjakin Chess Club? Of course, it would be even better if you yourself published it, if you want. We collect all the English-language information about Sergey Karjakin there. And your article would be the adornment of the forum.
Sanchessus, I've just with a great pleasure added my article to Karjakin Chess Club! Here’s it: https://www.chess.com/clubs/forum/view/how-i-met-sergey-karjakin?page=1
Статья также доступна на русском языке: http://arthur-msk.livejournal.com/28414.html.
The full version of my post is available in my blog: http://arthur-msk.livejournal.com/27918.html.
Everyone who enjoys chess in Russia last year was Sergey Karjakin’s fan. For those who don’t know yet: Sergey Karjakin is Russian grandmaster and a participant of World Chess Championship 2016.
Sergey Karjakin against Magnus Karlsen during World Chess Championship 2016.
Information. From 1927 USSR and Russia held (with two short pauses) chess crown — all the chess champions were from Russia.
But 10 years ago Russian chess domanancy ended. Since 2013 world chess champion is Norwegian Magnus Karlsen who has the highest Elo rating ever.
In 20169 Sergey Karjakin played World Chess Championship match versus Magnus Karlsen. Though everyone thought Kerlsen was a favourite and Karjakin was and outsider, match turned out to be megadramatic but Karjakin didn’t jet managed to bring chess crown back in Russia.
This Saturaday I met Sergey Karjakin in fest «Gerber» — national holiday for people in Udmurtia (Udmurtia is a federal subject of Russia). Grandmaster gave interviews and took photoes with everyone who wanted. I asked Sergey weather his public activity about popularization of chess distracks him from professional sport and he replied that it was no problem and he went to the train camp just after the fest.
Head of Udmurtia Alexander Brechalov visited the fest. Prevous head of Udmurtia was accused in brebery and incarcelated. Sergey Karjakin and Alexaner Brechalov.
Brechalov: “Chess in Udmurtia is mor than just chess”. Karjakin: “Yes, I see that
”
Karjakin and Brecahlov against winners of children chess context in Udmurtia.
Head of Udmurtia ran away, Karjakin had to finish the game without his help.
These children unlikely to know that they are playing against the greatest chess brain in their life.
Karyakin during the game.
Finally Karjakin smiled — he won!
Then Karjakin went on taking photoes, giving presents and sign books.
By the way, Karjakin is also registered on chess.com!
Here’s his profile: https://www.chess.com/member/sergeykarjakin
Play chess! Support Segey Karjakin!