Anish Giri: “Weather condition makes this tournament half a vacation“
The first board of the National Team of the Netherlands Anish Giri (representing Hoogeveen, NED) answered a few questions after a considerably quick draw against the GM Ivanisevic Ivan of Serbia in Round 2 of the World Cities Team Chess Championship in Al Ain. He looked happy and relaxed.
– Anish, tell us about your impressions on the organization of the championship, facilities and hotel in Al Ain? Are you satisfied?
– The organization of the tournament is on a high level. I am happy with my hotel, food is good, the transportation to and from the playing venue is well organized. The playing venue is fantastic too. I like the way they placed the teams. It is very convenient for the spectators I guess. And in general, the weather is so good, my teammates and me enjoy the sun. The place is good. Al Ain is done for having vacations. Of course it is one of the strongest tournaments but thanks to sun and warm weather I feel like having half vacations here.
– What do you think about the format of the championship?
– It looks like you play in the World Team Championship but of the second division, let’s say. Because many of the stronger teams did not appear. Anyway the tournament is still very strong. Also, a knock out format makes the luck be random: you never know what will happen tomorrow and who you will meet at the board. As other knock out tournaments this championship is very exciting for those who are not knocked out. This is true and this makes it exciting. Also, I like that there is an opportunity for knocked out players to continue chess further in an individual tournament. It is really something new. I think this kind of format was played in 90s but for the present chess we can call it a new format.
– What goals does your team have at this championship? Did you somehow dispose yourself to get a place here?
– Of course we are trying to do our best to get the first place. But as I said before the knock out format could bring a lot of surprises. We are playing against strong opponents. For instance today I played against a strong GM, Ivan Ivanisevic of Serbia. We made a draw. At some point the situation seemed better for me but as it occurred later on it was not like this.
– Whom do you consider to be the favorites of the championship?
– It is our team from Hoogeveen, I think and Paris team. Definitely there are other teams which can show good results, like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the USA, Russia. Swedish players seem to be strong as well. But our team as well as the team from France has more representatives of the national teams. That should make sense. So, let’s see.
– Will you prepare now for tomorrow’s game? How do you find that rounds start at 6 pm?
– I have a lot of time even tomorrow to prepare for the game before the round. I like that I have also time to relax and enjoy the place, Generally I like that rounds start in the evening. Of course you cannot find any other strong tournament scheduled like this and it is not usual but I still like it.
Official website: http://worldcitieschess.com
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
He’s amazing!
Youngest Super GM with a girlfriend. I must learn to dress like him or be a bad boy. Nothing else works.