Nadezhda Kosintseva was the first Russian to advance to the second round of the World Championship. At the press-conference Nadezhda answered a few questions about her match against Melissa Castrillon Gomez from Colombia.
– This match seemed very easy for you, Nadezhda…
– Actually it wasn’t that easy. My opponent could make a draw in the first game, as she played very solid chess. I selected the Ruy Lopez, but was unable to find an active plan, as Melissa restricted my options very well. The game was equal until the very end, but my opponent made a big time trouble blunder, and after that it was over. In the second game she played very aggressively and even accepted my pawn sacrifice, which I did not expect. The resulting position was unclear, but then she rejected long castling and left her king stuck in the center, which gave me excellent compensation.
– But who played more aggressively: Melissa, who took the offer, or you, who made it?
– Well, I didn’t want a quick draw, though making it would be easy for me. I wanted to play, to practice. During my preparation I noticed a very unpleasant line, and I was surprised that Melissa found it rather quickly. Maybe she also prepared this variation, or just found it at the board. Anyway, the situation became quite tense, but I eventually got my compensation. All in all, Melissa played really well and found a rare and interesting opportunity. If she went for 0-0-0, it could be really close. However, with her king stuck in the center she had no chance.
– Have you ever played with her before?
– No, and I never heard anything about her besides her last name and nationality.
– Tomorrow is a day off for you, how do you plan to spend it?
– I am happy to avoid playing tie-break. I already explored Khanty-Mansiysk (which is a very interesting place!) during the Chess Olympiad, so I will just stay in the hotel and prepare for my next match.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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