COUNTRY WITH TRADITIONS

The strongest chess players of the world gathered in Shamkir again to honour the memory of the late Azerbaijani grandmaster Vugar Hashimov at the sixth annual Shamkir Chess Super-tournament. The event, which consisted of nine rounds, ended with a confident victory of the current world champion Magnus Carlsen.

Arkady DVORKOVICH, President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), also took part in the tournament in Shamkir. Seizing this opportunity, we asked the head of FIDE some questions for our magazine.

"Thank you for having us, Arkady Vladimirovich. This is your second visit to Azerbaijan as FIDE President. In January, you visited Baku, and now you are a guest of the tournament in Shamkir..."

"I am very glad to come to Shamkir. I'm here for the first time. It's a small and quiet city. Of course, two days is not enough to learn more about the area. But for sure, people here are very hospitable, as in Baku."

"What is your opinion about the Vugar Hashimov Shamkir Chess Super Tournament 2019?"

"The tournament was organized at the highest level. Most of all I liked the competition hall. In chess, it is extremely important. In this sense, the hall seems to have been designed specifically for the tournament. The live broadcast of the games on a dedicated website, placement of players and other moments are solved at a very high level. In general, the organization of major competitions is not a problem for Azerbaijan. You have a lot of experience. The organisation of this particular event is special to commemorate the memory of Vugar Hashimov. He was one of the leading chess players not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the world. Vugar's name is associated with honour and nobility. He always treated his rivals with respect. Even with an easy victory showed nobility in relation to his counterpart. The chess world will never forget Vugar."

"Does not the victory of Magnus Carlsen show his great superiority over the other rivals?"

"It does, of course. Carlsen's game is more interesting. He is the strongest chess player in the world. Its main difference is the maximum concentration of attention during the game and continuous personal improvement. A big role in the success of Magnus is his team. Assistants, coaching staff solve all side issues. Carlsen only concentrates on playing chess."

"Nevertheless, we witnessed weak performance of Russian grandmasters..."

"In general, to win these tournaments is very difficult. Since there are no weak rivals, it is impossible to predict the results. But Sergey Karjakin and Alexander Grischuk demonstrated interesting games. Karjakin finished the tournament in third place."

"Magnus Carlsen wins most of his games. Can we say that we live in the era of Carlsen?"

"You're right. To compete him after winning the championship title is extremely difficult. The Norwegian chess player is a professional. He has made a team of the best assistant and strives for maximum results at every competition. The epoch of Magnus Carlsen is significant by his apparent hegemony. To stop him, you have to be twice as strong."

"What changes have occurred and will occur after your election as the leader of FIDE?"

"Changes and decisions are always approved by the FIDE Presidential Board Conference. We must have a strong team to fulfil the promises. To this end, we attract many strongest grandmasters to the team and do everything to promote chess around the world. We are opening chess schools in all corners of the world. We dream to provide 25% of official posts in FIDE to women. We conclude contracts with firms. We are currently working on a specific program. We create a database to ensure the availability of all information via the Internet.

FIDE has held numerous meetings to attract new sponsors. An increase in the prize pool in official tournaments is possible. At the same time, there will be new competitions. At the moment, there are discussions. Official statements will follow shortly. We are trying to cooperate with all international sports organizations. We will further improve the organization of our competitions. We will try to increase the number of people playing chess in the world. We also have projects to increase the interest of chess players in participating in all competitions. We just need some time."

"The number of draws has increased. Experts say it weakens interest in the game. Are you thinking about a change in the rules?"

"Draw in chess is the most logical result. Especially because the players are grandmasters. For example, in football, three points are awarded for a win. This year, the organizers of the tournament in Stavanger also decided to award three points for winning classic chess. In the event of a tie, Armageddon will follow, where the victory will be awarded less than three points. This will encourage chess players to play to win. We will wait, how this innovation will end. In the future, it is possible to make additions to the regulations of some competitions."

"At what level will FIDE build cooperation with Azerbaijan? Are you planning any joint projects with the Azerbaijan Chess Federation?"

"After the elections in FIDE, the number of Azerbaijanis in senior positions increased. Mahir Mammadov currently holds a position of vice president in FIDE. Many of your fellow compatriots are also in various commissions. This is not by chance. Chess traditions have always existed in Azerbaijan. In 2015, the World Cup was held in Baku, and then the World Chess Olympiad. Chess players are happy to take part at these competitions in Azerbaijan, as they are always organized at the highest level.

"A meeting of the FIDE Presidential Board will be held in Baku in June. For us, this is a very important event. Serious issues will be discussed. We look forward to working closely in the future."

"Do you plan holding any other international competitions in Baku or another Azerbaijani city in the coming years?"

"Azerbaijan can definitely host another international chess tournament. FIDE official representative Mahir Mammadov said this during a press conference. Negotiations are underway with FIDE to hold one of the stages of the 2019 and 2020 Women's Grand Prix in Azerbaijan."

"You said that Azerbaijan has always been known for its chess traditions. How do you find the current level of development of chess in the country?"

"Azerbaijan is a country where chess is constantly developing. Several of your chess players regularly occupy high places in the FIDE rating. On the other hand, the answer to this question are your achievements. Your national team won gold medals at the European Championship three times. It is a favourite at all competitions. I think your chess federation should be pleased with the current state of event in the country."

"Thank you for your time."

"I am always open for the press. Your role in the development of chess is undeniable. We must work hand in hand."