COMPETING FOR THE CHESS CROWN

This year is going to be important for Azerbaijani chess players. In early 2015, the leaders of the national team, Sahriyar Mammadyarov and Teymur Racabov, will participate in the next stage of the FIDE Grand Prix in Georgia. Chess players will also take part in a European Cup tournament, the European Championship and a number of other competitions.

One of the major events in the world of chess - the World Cup - will be held in Baku. This places even greater responsibility on local players as the finalists of this competition will receive a ticket to the Candidates Tournament for the chess crown. Therefore, we can already now predict the intense struggle at the World Cup scheduled for September this year.

One of the participants in the upcoming event in Baku and member of the Russian chess team, Sergey Karjakin, recently visited Baku. During his brief visit occasioned by a one-year anniversary of the death of the young and talented Azerbaijani chess player Vuqar Hasimov, he answered questions put by R+.

 - It was unexpected to see you in Baku in connection with the anniversary of the death of Vuqar Hasimov.

- Vuqar was a wonderful man and an indispensable friend. I keep in touch with his brother, therefore I wanted to come to Baku and honour Vuqar's memory. This year has passed like a flash. I well remember that a year ago I played in the tournament in Wijk aan Zee these days. Vuqar's unexpected death was a shock for all. For me, it was a very great loss. I was born on 12 January, but after such a sad event, I do not think about my birthday.

- It has been a year since Vuqar is no longer with us. What events do you remember most during this period?

- During this time, I saw Vuqar in my dreams. I think a lot of him. From time to time, Boris Gelfand and I reflect on his chess games and analyze his moves. I remember the day when I last spoke with Vuqar on the phone and wished him a speedy recovery as both of us had to prepare for the competition. There were a lot of interesting events ahead of us. And he said that if something happened, I would have to play chess both for him and for myself. These words have sunk into my heart.

- Let's talk about chess a little. Magnus Carlsen has again won the match for the world title. Was Viswanathan Anand's defeat expected by you?

- This time, Anand played better and even had a chance to win. But he lost games because of unfortunate errors; otherwise the result could have been different. Anyway, Carlsen's victory was well deserved.

- What are your plans for 2015?

- As always, I have to work on improving my ranking to move up in the FIDE rating list. I am going to take part in the World Cup in Baku and in the Grand Prix tournament. The main goal is to qualify for the Candidates Tournament because it allows the contender to join in the fight for the chess crown.

- The participation of Armenian Grandmaster Levon Aronyan in the World Cup has not been confirmed yet. What impact will his absence have on the competition in general?

- Levon Aronyan is one of the strongest players. In my opinion, sport has to be separated from politics. Therefore, he should not have problems with the participation in the World Cup. Of course, the last decision rests with him. But I would like to see him at the World Cup.

- You met him at various events. Have you discussed this issue?

- When we talked about this, Aronyan said that he would take part in the World Cup. I don't think he has changed his mind. The World Cup extends invitations to the best chess players. And from this point of view, Aronian's participation will increase competition.

- Which players do you consider to be the main rivals at the World Cup?

- The game of chess has evolved in many countries around the world in recent years. All players will come to Baku for the purpose of reaching the final, meaning the competition is going to be serious. First of all, I should note local players Teymur Racabov and Sahriyar Mammadyarov. Both grandmasters play at a high level, and everybody should be wary of them. But there are no definite favourites, and I think there will be surprises at the early stages.

- You visit Baku quite often. What can you say about our city?

- Indeed, I come here rather frequently, and always with high expectations. Planes fly from Moscow to Baku four times a day, so there is no problem with coming to Azerbaijan. My wife Galya adores Baku, and most of all Icari Sahar [the Old City] and the Seaside Boulevard. As well as visiting Baku, I have been to Samkir. It is a very beautiful city. Probably you wouldn't be surprised if I say that you have a very tasty cuisine. I put up some weight each time I come to Baku.