Interview with a Purist

Of the purists, it is often said that they cause as much dismay as debate. Those whom the purists reject become small-minded, angry even, while declaring themselves not bothered and even bored by the murmurings of a nearby beard.

Among those to whom the purists give their graces, however, can be found a quiet satisfaction, a balm perhaps, of some arcane mix, bestowing on the purists' favoured ones a glow.

In an exclusive interview, TBL blog spoke with Andrei Bukachenko, revered commentator on our sport, inaugural president of the Purists Foundation and a man whose insights and philosophies make him, arguably, the purists' purist.

Bukachenko - "the new purists exist for a reason"

TBL
Can you explain purism for us?

AB
Purism shifts like sand, flows like a river, is this  - but yet that. It looks for beauty among the rank. It seeks subtleties where others see nothing.

TBL
That's what Chris Forbes was saying the other day.

AB
Forbes is an interesting player. Reminds me very much of a young Chen Choo.  It was a shame that Chen burned out so quickly, but yet his star flared bright and, of course, he left us with the Chen Choo Backhand.

TBL
You have criticised the Chen Choo Backhand in the past.

AB
Only for it's lack of subtlety. Other purists felt the same. Notably, the Paris Beard, who all came out in agreement with my assessment.

TBL
It's interesting that you mention the Paris Beard. Some have described them as "the new purists." And yet you find yourself aligned with them.

AB
In the Chen Choo matter, perhaps. And as I say, purism shifts like sand. The Paris Beard may be a vanguard, or a distraction. It exists for either reason.

TBL
We hear that the new TBL player Viv  Gee, is already the subject of comment over the brandy and cigars.

AB
Indeed. She reminds me of a young Bjork, who was a player of some subtlety before going off on a music career. Bjork was a wonderful short-game player, and, like this Viv Gee, favoured cunning, bluff and velour trousers. Indeed, I was at a fascinating gathering on Monday evening where two purists recreated in slow-motion mime the entire Bjork - Chen Choo semi-final of 94. It remains to be seen whether Ms Gee will be afforded such a tribute. But yes, there is something subtle there.

TBL
Who do you like for the season?

AB
Hemphill's ambition has been helped by this new scoring system. However, that very ambition may be his downfall. As Hoeg of the Copenhagen Beard once said, "Those who stare at the sun can be blinded". As to who will prevail, well (LAUGHS) I'm a purist. I have other things on my mind.

TBL
Thanks for your time