Today Pia Cramling saved a difficult rook ending being a pawn down to hold the even score and take the match into rapid tie-break. She spoke to FIDE Press Officer about the games with Anna Muzychuk.
Anastasia Karlovich: Dear chess friends, let me welcome you in the press center of the Women’s World Chess Championship. Our guest is Pia Cramling. She has just finished her second game against Anna Muzychuk with a draw. The first game was finished in a draw as well. Pia, please share with us how was this match going for you?
Pia Cramling: Yesterday I think I was a little bit better after the opening. But then at one moment I was not right with my moves. I think it was easy for her. Today I made this blunder in the opening, I played this Re8. Then I could not play normally. When she played Na4, I go c5, c4, d4, she goes e5, and Qe4 threatens h7 and Ra8. So, Re8 is such a mistake in the opening.
I am not sure that she should take on d5. But after that when she let me take on a4, it was not so bad any longer for me. Ok, white was better, but I was in the game. Then perhaps I made a mistake before a time trouble when I played a4. I was very worried about the tricks on the back rank. It seemed that I could have taken on a2 with a rook and could have come back.
Anastasia Karlovich: What do you think about the endgame when she got this pawn on a4 and had an extra pawn.
Pia Cramling: The endgame is always so tricky. And you always learn by playing. If the rook would have been in front of the pawn, it could have been a draw. But when a rook is activating, I was very worried. If she at some moment can get the rook on f6, f4, g5, and she goes. I can’t do anything, I am just waiting. So, this is why I had to play f5. It was the only chance. It was ok for me. I don’t know if she could have improved somewhere. I am very happy with a result.
Anastasia Karlovich: Tomorrow you are going to play rapid chess. How difficult it is to switch from classic to rapid chess?
Pia Cramling: Yes, of course it will be different from classic. First two games will be fine, rapid with ten extra seconds are ok. I just have to play well.
Anastasia Karlovich: Thank you so much, Pia, for your answers.