Interview with Hou Yifan
Sunday, 04 July 2010
I know that you have been in Armenia before. What are your first impressions about the city of Jermuk?
Yes, this is my second visit to Armenia, last time was in 2006, at World Girls’ Chess Championship. Well, I like Jermuk so much, the air is fresh, the local people are so kind, everything is nice and I feel comfortable.
Which of the previous Grand Prix tournaments was more successful for you and what was the reason of it?
For me, maybe the first one, in Istanbul. The first seven rounds I played very well, got 6.5 points, but then I lost a game in a winning position, so I only ended up in third place.
What expectations and objectives do you have from this tournament?
I just try my best, and of course I hope that I will have a good result in this tournament.
All Grand Prix tournaments have rather strong participants. What can you say about the participants of this tournament?
Of course all participants are strong, no matter in this tournament or in whole Grand Prix. I think there is no one who can be identified as the strongest and no one the weakest.
Which important traits do you appreciate in people? How do you want to see the world champion?
In my opinion, the most important is willpower, never give up!
The Grand Prix men’s tournament was devoted to the 80th anniversary of the world champion Tigran Petrosian and this tournament is devoted to the 100th anniversary of the famous chess composer Genrikh Kasparian. Are you familiar with his creations?
I am sorry I don’t know his creations, but I will try to know about it now and dedicate my attention to them.
http://jermuk2010.fide.com
She needs more training.