Interview with GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov
ETCC, Grand Prix, Melodi Amber…
Chessdom: Last time we saw each other on Creta during the ETCC. What are your impressions from Greece?
Shakhriyar Mamedyarov: Of course, ETCC was very successful and very important for Azerbaijan team. First time I played at board one and we finished on 3rd place. The tournament hall, hotel and everything was organized very well. I hope that such events will often take part in Greece in the future. It is to notice, that I was successful at a lot of tournaments in Greece.
Chessdom: Azerbaijan had an explosive start, but Russia slowed you down and eventually you took the bronze medal. What are the plans for Olympiad? Are you going to play?
Shakhriyar Mamedyarov: That is right, my team started very well, but of course after we lost against Russia and then against Slovenia we lost our chances to be a winner. Russian team played really good, I would highlight Svidler and Morozevich. Last Olympiad I did not play, but I hope that this year everything will be ok and I will play for my country. I think then we will have good chances to be a winner.
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Shak has a good chance of being a WC.