Drams for Levon

In recognition of his fine victory in the World Cup tournament in Siberia, the government of Armenia has awarded Levon Aronian 5 million drams (US$11,000). Of course, this amount is really nothing compared to the $100,000 prize awarded to Levon by FIDE.

“I was more relaxed during the final game,” Aronian told reporters on Wednesday when asked to explain his successful performance at Khanty-Mansiisk. The grandmaster said he was also greatly helped by strong moral backing which he received from members of the local Armenian community. He said he socialized and even went hunting with them between games.

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