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The young Georgian became the main sensation of the Women’s World Championship, advancing to the Quarterfinals after defeating the renowned Viktoria Cmilyte. It is time to get to know Meri Arabidze.
Eteri Kublashvili: Meri, tell us about you: where are you from, when you started playing chess, who is your trainer?
Meri Arabizde: I was born in Samtredia, but now live in Kutaisi. Play chess since I was 6 years old. I am a three-time European champion U10, U12, and U14, and a three-time World Champion – U14, U16, and U18. Alexander Arsenidze is my trainer for the last seven years, and he is helping me at this championship, as well as Khvicha Supatashvili.
– Is this your first World Championship?
– Yes, this is my first experience of such a serious and important event.
– How hard is it for a newcomer?
– The first match with Elizabeth Paehtz was very hard, but after I won it I became strangely confident. I think I was very lucky in that match, and that victory was given me by the God.
– Which of your matches was the most difficult?
– The latest one – against Viktoria Cmilyte. Our classical games and rapid games were all extremely tense.
– Have you met Viktoria before?
– No, we have never played before.
– We know that you are one of the best Georgian players in rapid chess…
– Yes, we have series of rapid tournaments in Georgia for two years, and I try to prepare for them as well. In 2014 I became the Georgian rapid chess champion, and showed good results both before and after that. I am a good rapid chess player!
– So it is better to avoid playing tie-breaks against you!
– Yes, some people say so! (laughs)
– Is rapid chess your favorite kind of chess?
– Playing classical chess is more difficult, and rapid chess is easier and more fun. So yes, I prefer rapid.
– Who is your next opponent?
– Harika Dronavalli. I played with her just once, and we made a draw.
– Do you like the championship venue and its organization in general?
– It is a wonderful place with fantastic nature, good hotel, and excellent tournament hall – everything is organized at the highest level. I am thankful to the organizers and arbiters for their smooth work!