Q: Please tell us a few words about how you started playing chess?
A: I was 6 years old when my parents introduced me to the game. I was born Russia, but at that time I was already living in Israel. I was 9 years old when I started playing competitively and joined the Ashkelon Chess Club.
Q: What were your first significant chess successes?
A: I won the U-12 Israeli Championship in 2000. Then I won also the U-16 Israeli championship twice, in 2003 and 2004.
Q: When did you start having international success?
A: I made my first IM norm in 2007 and then got the IM title in April 2008. Then I made all my GM norms by August 2009.
Q: You are known to be a great Blitz player too. What were your best results in that form of chess?
A: I won many, but I am most proud of winning the Israeli Blitz Championships in 2007 and in 2008. The field in 2007 was very strong with almost all top Israeli GMs participating. It came as a big surprise to most, as I was only an FM at the time.
Q: How would you describe your first year at Texas Tech as a Business major?
A: Academically I did very well in my freshman year, I got a 4.0 average GPA. Also I appreciated the opportunity to combine my education with furthering my chess.
Personally, I had my best career results to date (in classical time control), by winning the SPICE Cup (B group) both in 2010 and then again this year (2011). I was also very proud to contribute (as a top board of our team) to the first ever Collegiate Final Four victory for the SPICE program and Texas Tech.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I like sports. I do work out regularly and sometimes play soccer. I like hanging out with my friends. I also like movies (action).
Q: What are your future chess goals?
A: This year we have a very strong team, and I am looking forward for the upcoming Collegiate Pan-American and (hopefully) Final Four.
Thank you very much. Best wishes both in your studies and at your upcoming chess events.
Impressive!