WE WILL TRY TO PROVE THAT WE ARE A REAL TEAM

Alexandr MOTYLEV: “WE WILL TRY TO PROVE THAT WE ARE A REAL TEAM”.
www.ugra-chess.com

Russia 3 Team from Ugra does not have ambitious plans, but hopes to play as good as possible.

– How was the start in the tournament for your team?

Alexander Khalifman, the captain of “Ugra”: In the first round we played against Andorra, the country that is more popular for its football adventures.

Despite the fact that the opponent was not that strong the game appeared to be uneasy, at some point, everything was quite unclear. Finally we won, and I think we can be optimistic about the future.

– Did the national team of Andorra take its “half of the field” and have an advantage over you?

A.K.: The game wasn’t really active. Another question is that they tried to play rather well. At one moment the position of Sergei Rublevsky playing on the 3rd board was a little dangerous, however, finally he got lucky and saved it.

– On one hand, you’re the Russia­3 team and they do not really expect best results from you, on the other hand – you are representing the hosting federation. Do you feel responsible for that?

Alexandr Motylev, one of the leaders of “Ugra” team: “As we are representing Russia 3, we feel less responsible. It is unlikely that anyone is expecting high results from us. Nevertheless, we want to prove that we are a real team, and will fight till the end.”

A.K.: We are well prepared for the Olympiad. It is not right to speak about our perspectives in advance. We have a plan for each round. Our plan is fulfilled for today. Tomorrow is a new day and new challenges. We will see the results at the end of the 11th round.

– Does the fact that Dmitry Yakovenko played on the 1st board of your team weaken the position of Russia­1 team?

A.M.: Yakovenko is a strong chess player. He definitely strengthens our team. On the other hand the whole team Russia 1 consists of chess elite. The question is who will be in a better shape at the very moment …

– Do you have any superstitions before the game?

A.K.: To tell the truth, when I played I was very superstitious. It concerned absolutely everything: from taking an elevator till choosing the path from the hotel to the playing hall.

A.M.: I usually take my pen with me, because I consider it to be very lucky. It “works” but not always.

– How does it feel for the World Champion to become a captain?

A.K.: I’ve always wanted to work as a trainer. I have my own school in St. Petersburg. I feel it to be my passion and I hope that everything will go well.

– Do you feel the support of your fans?

A.M.: Of course, as we are representing Ugra. Khanty­Mansiysk was not yet on the world chess map when I started my career. We are very proud that the competitions of such high level are hosted here.