I see myself more as an ambassador of the game. And I hope to bring chess to a higher level read more

I see myself more as an ambassador of the game. And I hope to bring chess to a higher level in the United States. Making bigger tournaments, more interesting events. Making it a respectable profession for young people to be able to pursue in the future.

Anything relatively close to that is going to be a huge threat.

Anything relatively close to that is going to be a huge threat.

If you can't get inspired by what happened last Sunday in Hartford, then there's something wrong with you, ... That read more

If you can't get inspired by what happened last Sunday in Hartford, then there's something wrong with you, ... That fired me up to want to play well, starting today.

I got tired of playing other people's songs.

I got tired of playing other people's songs.

Telling me to get the bat, it was like, 'Oh my God,' ... The first thing I remember walking to read more

Telling me to get the bat, it was like, 'Oh my God,' ... The first thing I remember walking to the plate was, 'Man, these lights are good.'

It has to be tough because it changes the routine, the lifestyle the players are accustomed to. Families are scattered, read more

It has to be tough because it changes the routine, the lifestyle the players are accustomed to. Families are scattered, kids are in different schools. It's a big adjustment.

held in a free and democratic atmosphere.

held in a free and democratic atmosphere.

I need my space and that's what they're saying -- 'I'd like to have my space,'

I need my space and that's what they're saying -- 'I'd like to have my space,'

They (the special teams) did exactly what we asked them to do...we started out the game great, set the tempo read more

They (the special teams) did exactly what we asked them to do...we started out the game great, set the tempo and it was just real fun from then on.