The 3rd edition of Russian Team Championship was much stronger than previous ones ("more or less professional" - A.Khalifman), but still not on par with European top leagues. Average rating of first board was 2590 compared to mere 2520 back in 1994. Best team judging on Elo ratings were Ladya Azov, but the richest one - certainly the hosts from Kazan. Titleholders Kadyr Ufa were not allowed to participate because one of team members GM Dvoirys was suspected to be infected with diphteria and Russian strict medical regulations forced the organizers to withdraw the entire team, to the displeasure of many rival players. That Novosibirsk team won was not a big surprise to the experts, but the margin - clear 4 points - was. Perhaps the final outcome was biased by lousy accommodation conditions and very cold temperatures in Kazan. Many players caught the flu and had a temperature; some even had to withdraw.