"I AM OLD NOW"

The international "Samkir Chess 2015 tournament dedicated the memory of the Azerbaijani grandmaster Vuqar Hasimov, has taken place in Samkir. Nine chess players from the Top-25 world rating, including the latest Azerbaijani champion Rauf Mammadov, took part in this prestigious competition held for the second time running. The contestants included three world champions - the present holder of the chess crown Magnus Carlsen, and two former world champions - Viswanathan Anand and Vladimir Kramnik, which attracted the attention of the world press to the tournament.

Having taken part in the competition for the first time, former world champion Vladimir Kramnik shared his thoughts on the tournament in an interview with R+.

- You have already taken part in competitions held in Baku several times, but this is the first time that you have been to Samkir…

- To be honest, I haven't had the opportunity to take a walk round the town. Usually towns on the periphery do not attract my attention. But Samkir has radically changed this idea. I was charmed by it, just walking round our hotel, firstly by how clean and beautiful it was. The town has preserved its history, and the natural environment here is fascinating. The air is so pure that I wake up an hour later than I intend to every day. Perhaps this is connected with the change in the time zones. You see, I live in France so I can't get used to the time change.

- Azerbaijan stands out for being so hospitable. Is this true of Samkir?

- I absolutely agree with you. I arrived in Samkir two days before the tournament started. One day I went for a walk. I went into a shop not far away from the hotel to buy some water. To begin with, the shop assistant thought I was an Azerbaijani, but then, when he found out that I had come to take part in the "Samkir Chess-2015" tournament, he didn't want to take the money from me. In general, during the tournament the organisers have been extremely considerate towards the chess players. I would like to express my thanks to them for that.

- The holding of prestigious competitions has already become a tradition in Azerbaijan. So the first-class organisation of the tournament should not have come as a surprise to you.

- I remember Baku really well. I know about Azerbaijan's achievements in sport. Every time I come to your country, I am surprised by the changes that have taken place. Over the last few years Azerbaijan has been developing rapidly.

- The Samkir Chess-2015 tournament is dedicated to the memory of the Azerbaijani chess player Vuqar Hasimov. At which tournaments did you happen to meet him?

- Vuqar had a splendid aura. The smile never left his face. We met several times. He played an interesting game, always striving to win. Although we were not close friends, I can only say good things about him. Vuqar became European champion as a member of the Azerbaijani team. I would never have thought that I would have to take part in tournament dedicated to the memory of Vuqar who was younger than me. It is difficult to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer with us. The contest in Samkir brings together all those who love Vuqar. I would like to thank the organisers of such a splendid tournament. I believe that the Vuqar's Memorial Tournament should become a tradition.

- Some people say that the Norwegian Magnus Carlsen will hold onto the chess crown for a long time. What do you think about that? Don't you want to get the title of champion back?

- I am old now (laughs). Now it's time for the young ones to think about that. Naturally, I want to join in the battle for the title of world champion, but one should never forget the age factor. You have to keep yourself physically fit. Magnus is young, so it's not a problem for him to play for several hours running. When I won the match against Garry Kasparov, I was young and energetic (that match was played in London in 2000 when Kramnik was only 25 years old - author). But there are quite a few younger-generation chess players who are capable of competing with Magnus.

- In the second round of the Samkir Chess-2015 tournament Carlsen beat Sahriyar Mammadyarov. The impression was created that it is difficult for everyone to play against the world champion…

- Of course it is. Carlsen is a very strong chess player. Of late, the expression "everyone plays well, but Carlsen wins" has become current. He is undoubtedly a strong player. As far as Sahriyar is concerned, he has great potential, but he is emotional. His biggest problem is that his game varies, so he faces certain difficulties. He likes to take risks, to bring pressure to bear right to the end. Mammadyarov is capable to combating any rival. In general, the tournament has only brought together strong players. The current world champion and two former champions competed here. Every round was very difficult as a result of the competitors being strong.

- Shakhriyar beat you in a match that lasted almost seven hours. How would you describe that match?

- Shakhriyar played well and won.

- The World Cup will take place in Baku in September. Will we see you, the competition's last winner, there among the contestants?

- I am planning to take part. No player has ever won twice in a row in the history of the World Cup. From this point of view it will be difficult for me. I would like to be the winner in Baku, but I understand that it will be very hard for me to do that.

-   The decision on the participation of Armenian chess players in the World Cup has not been taken. Although Azerbaijan has provided a safety guarantee on a state level…

- Armenia's chess players should take the decision on that. In general, I believe that sport should be outside politics. I would like to see chess players from Armenia come to Baku and the Azerbaijani grandmasters going there. Chess brings everyone together. I often meet Lev Aronian at tournaments. I think that he will take part in the World Cup in Baku. There shouldn't be any problems with that.

- In parallel with the Samkir Chess-2015 tournament, the team World Championship is taking place in Armenia. But you preferred to participate in the Vuqar Hasimov Memorial Tournament rather than play in the Russian team… 

- In February I already promised that I would come to Samkir. The Federation invited me to be a member of the team later. I warned them beforehand that, if there were to be a tournament, Iwould not play in the team. I think the Russian team is strong enough without me. On the other hand, the tournament in Samkir is dedicated to a splendid person and a strong chess player like Vuqar Hasimov. Last year I wasn't able to take part in it. All my counterparts only had good things to say about the organisation of the tournament. Although I was not close to Vuqar, I couldn't fail to take part in his memorial tournament.