Negi targets 2600
Sunday February 10 2008 01:27 IST
Ashok Venugopal
CHESS prodigy Parimarjan Negi, who has the distinction of being the world’s second youngest Grandmaster, is pleased with the way his career is shaping. His main aim for 2008 is touching 2600 Elo rating.
Although 2007 has not been a great year, the Delhi lad is keen to make amends this year and joining him in his pursuit of excellence is reputed coach Elizabar Ubilava of Georgia.
“2007 was really disappointing. At the beginning of the year I had good starts in several tournaments, but failed to convert them. But I am happy that towards the end of the year I gained my rhythm and performed well in the world juniors,” added Negi.
Negi, a quick learner, has been working on his shortcomings. He is hopeful that systematic coaching and better exposure will make him a better player. “I learnt a lot from the experiences in 2007 and believe that I must improve my opening repertoire. I will be playing in many tournaments abroad. In March I will be playing in Iceland,” said Negi. “Luckily I have a sponsor in Tata Tea who look after my touring and coaching.”
Coach Ubilava has a word of praise for Negi but said that the youngster must really work hard to become an international player of repute.”Negi is a devoted and hard working player. He is an aggressive player. He needs to work more on his openings and defense. He is a good learner and with exposure will certainly improve his overall game,” said Ubilava.
Here is the full article.
2600 is a nice goal but if that is his only focus – a number, he’ll be missing a chance – he is an interesting new face right now because he is young, but he should look at how Carlsen has done it – played tough tournaments and concentrated on good results there. The alternative is to try to clean up at some easy round robins or weak Swisses to get his rating up, but he needs to play more 2500-2600 players and not so many 2300-2500s.