S: "Essentially, Father Kamsky has a severe image problem. He's a very tough street man who's had a great deal of hardship in his life and now he's fighting for the best for his son. In doing so he's truly alienated those who would like to have helped him, including myself. As far as the Olympiad team was concerned, he was invited to play third board and refused with the statement: First or nothing. This caused a great deal of happiness amongst the Americans who celebrated the fact, not that Gata would not be here but that Rustam would not be here. We felt that Rustam's presence would be divisive. So, much as we admire Gata's playing ability, we're equally disturbed and offended by his father.

Fortunately the decision not to have Gata on top board has nothing to do with me; it's the result of a formula that came out of my dispute with the USCF in 1984: a mixture of FIDE and USCF ratings averaged over a two year period, as well as current ratings, which dictates who is invited and in what order."

F: He tells the story of the dinner, hosted by Kamsky's American sponsor, stockbroker James Cayne, at which Gata was struck by his father.

S: "He'd figured the kid needed a helping hand, so he'd written out a cheque on the spot. Then Rustam and Gata were invited to this beautiful social occasion. Mrs Cayne came in furs, decorated to the max. Gata translated everything word for word, as Rustam speaks no English. At some point Rustam was unhappy with the translation and - whack! A resounding backhand across the face of young Gata. Mrs Cayne says 'have a lovely evening. In polite company you do not strike your children; goodnight.' End of sponsorship.