The Muzychuk sisters advanced to the quarterfinals and will both have a day off tomorrow. The elder sister Anna came to the press center after a tiring game and a doping test, but nevertheless answered all questions about her progress at this championship.
Anastasia Karlovich: Anna, could you tell us about your performance here starting with the first match?
Anna Muzychuk: My opponent in the first round was much weaker, to be honest. I won the first game easily, but wasn’t very convincing in the second game. The second match against Alexandra Goryachkina was tough. In the first game I played strongly in the opening and equalized easily, maybe even got a slight advantage. This game ended in a draw, and then I managed to win as White.
– The match against Lela Javakhishvili was probably the hardest?
– Yes, especially the first game, because I was completely caught by surprise in the opening. Lela never played the Rauzer before. I actually got a good position, but then hesitated instead of attacking immediately. When I offered a draw, I already strongly disliked my position. Luckily for me, Lela accepted the offer.
– I am sure you analyzed this game with the computer already. Did the machine evaluation of the final position surprise you?
– Yes, I didn’t expect it was that bad for me. And today I was lucky to get an opening advantage playing Black!
– When did you realize you are going to win?
– Probably after 31…f5. Instead of 31.Nd5 she could play 31.g4, and of course Black has winning chances being an exchange up, but I was not hundred percent sure I will win.
– Is this the most successful championship for you? As far as I remember, in Khanty-Mansiysk you were eliminated in the second round by Anna Ushenina, and in Turkey also haven’t reached the third round. What is your goal for this championship?
– I also played in Nalchik and lost to Harika in the second round, so this championship is indeed the most successful for me. As for my goals, I only think about my next match, and the only goal is to defeat the next opponent.
– I thought your goal is to meet your sister in the final!
– That would be great, but I don’t want to look that far ahead.