Humpy has to be tactically alert: Anand
Amit Karmakar, TNN Mar 7, 2011, 02.48am IST
PUNE: Koneru Humpy is the first Indian woman to be one step away from being the world chess champion. She will play the title match against China’s Hou Yifan, an opponent she lost to twice in the knockout semifinals. Humpy set up this match by winning the Doha Grand Prix chess by staging a remarkable rally — 5.5 points in last six rounds.
Only Vishy Anand among Indians has reached thus far (world title match), and ahead. And the undisputed world chess champion in all formats of the 64-square game has been following the Doha meet keenly. He spoke to TOI from Chennai:
How would you describe the significance of what Humpy has achieved?
It’s a fantastic win. She has been missing out a lot of these events. She came close in knockout format twice but couldn’t finish it off.
I was following the GP from the beginning and things were not going well for her initially. And once Danielian Elina ( Armenia) started doing well, it became worse for Humpy. She had to depend not only on her result but also on other results. But full credit to her for fighting it out, especially in the last two games.
How do you see the evolving of Humpy as a super player among women?
She has managed to keep her high rating comfortably. But that big breakthrough was not happening. Now she gets an opportunity. India-China rivalry is good for chess. Having said that, Hou is a ridiculously talented girl.
What’s the way to beat Hou?
Humpy has to be tactically much more alert. The initiative has to be converted into a point. She has to find a way to improve her technique. There is no point in outplaying someone if (she) can find an escape tactically. Hou is not a clear favourite as such. But she is dangerous.
You don’t advocate the word revenge that strongly. But the match against Hou provides just that kind of opportunity for Humpy…
If revenge motivates you, go for it! But the main thing is to set your game in order. She has to train well and continue her good run in other events preceding the title match, the schedule of which is unclear.
Any comments on the problems between Humpy and AICF (Humpy had skipped the Olympiad and Asian Games recently)?
I would advice Humpy to forget everything. Just concentrate on the game.
Humpy reaching the title clash also happened in proximity to International Women’s Day…
It adds a nice touch. Humpy reaching this far is a huge thing for women’s chess in India.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
As usual, Mr Anand is not just a champion of the 64 squares, he is also a champion of “life”. Always giving very meaningful and considerate advice.
It seems Anand is quite interested in Humpy’s games and his opinion is quite paramount to her preparation for the title match. However, it would be great if Anand helps her in a couple of traning sessions to overall improve her game and advise her for her match play. Such a help from the world champion will no doubt help Koneru Humpy clinch the title for India. Koneru humpy should also take help from Ganguly (Anand’s second) and other Indian GMs for her preparation. It would be a high point in Indian Chess if we have 2 world champions simultaneously!
This is a universal problem, not just at their levels, but also at ours. How do you train for it?
“The initiative has to be converted into a point. She has to find a way to improve her technique. There is no point in outplaying someone if (she) can find an escape tactically.”
Support Koneru Humpy, everyone’s champion today!
She is a truly charming champion!
Immediately after her loss:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1GMFD7q14o
After her Doha Grand Prix win:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mSFYHMrMdY
Let’s all show Koneru her fans won’t let her down!!
No! Kasparov must train her so that her self confidense will crumble to the point where she will become a clothing model and run off with Liv Tyler.