THE LORD OF THE CROWNS

Our interviewee is very good at playing chess and not bad at all at playing basketball and football. He became the world chess champion at a young age and defends his title to this day.

FIDE rating leader, world chess champion Magnus CARLSEN visits Azerbaijan every year to take part in the Vugar Gashimov Chess Memorial, a super-tournament held in Shamkir. This year, the world champion spent here almost two weeks. We seized this opportunity to invite him for an exclusive interview.

It seems that you do not really like communicating with journalists.

This is not true. I just do not give interviews during competitions. Usually, I take part in official press conference after the tournament and answer questions about the games. That’s why there is no need for additional interviews.

This is your third victory in the Vugar Gashimov Memorial. You do not give your opponents a chance...

I am glad to be a winner of the Shamkir Chess. I could not show the desired game at the beginning of the tournament and played smoothly only in the last rounds. I think the game with Anish Giri was, perhaps, my best game in the tournament. I did not see the ‘typical Magnus’ in the following games, however. I mean I could not show my maximum capabilities. At the same time, I forget about failures when I get the main prize.

Which of the three wins do you consider the most difficult?

I first came to Shamkir in 2014. There was a very strong group of players. I came to my senses after losing two games and yet finished the competition as the strongest player. Since it was the first tournament, it was remarkable for particularly hard struggle. The situation was not easier in 2015 either. I remember the game with Viswanathan Anand. We had a difficult position. This game was of particular interest. I became the first in that year too. The current tournament was different. I ended up in a tie in three subsequent games. I could not win whatever I did. At the beginning of the tournament, all players had equal positions. After three rounds, we all scored 1.5 points. It's not normal for me to lose three rounds in a row. I felt somewhat uncomfortable. Fortunately, I could achieve the desired result.

They say that other players, for the most part, have no chance to win in tournaments with your participation...

(Laughing) Who told you that? I do not agree with this. I just always try to win in all competitions. Although I often get what I want, it's not easy at all, to be honest. One needs strong training to accomplish this. Besides, my team plays a great role in my victories and deserves high appreciation.

In Shamkir, you played with Azerbaijani players Shahriyar Mammadyarov, Teymur Rajabov and Rauf Mammadov. It seems the most nervous game was with Rauf.

No, I was not nervous. Each of these chess players play differently, have their own playing style. It's interesting that all my games with them ended in draw. I wanted to win but I could not. Maybe the atmosphere of Shamkir helped them, I don’t know. Mammadyarov, Rajabov and Mammadov played very carefully. In the game with Rauf, I had a chance but failed to realise my advantage. Rauf played well.

Why did not you take part in the press conference after that game?

I was very tired. I was sorry that I could not win. In addition, press conferences often take a lot of time. Answering questions after the games are exhausting. After the game with Rauf, I immediately went to the hotel and began to prepare for the next round.

It is interesting that you took your personal chef to Shamkir. Perhaps you do not like the Azerbaijani cuisine offered in the hotel…

The hotel offers meals of both Azerbaijani and European cuisine. There are no problems with food, as the organisers have carefully thought through everything to the smallest detail. I would like to thank the organising committee for this. Sometimes I asked them to cook the meals that have not been included in the menu and they did that. I have started working with a cook several years ago. Sometimes there are problems with food in some countries that I visit. In those rare cases, the chef comes in handy. The cuisines of Azerbaijan and Turkey are very similar. I like some Turkish meals. I just avoid too fatty foods. I also try to eat less sweet, although I really love it.

Your physical shape deserves appreciation. You played both basketball and football in Shamkir. Which of these disciplines do you like more?

I like sports in general and I would like to thank those who create such conditions. Shamkir has everything to play chess. I think tournaments should be held in such quiet places. In football, I am a fan of Real.

Is it difficult to play chess after the defeat of Real?

I love this club very much. Of course, I worry after each defeat of my favourite team. That’s why I prepare even more seriously for the games.

In November, you will play with Fabiano Caruana in a match for the chess crown. When are you going to start preparing?

I am often asked this question in Azerbaijan. I am ready to give any advice. My team is thinking about it. As a rule of thumb, it is incorrect to disclose such issues before the press. We have two more tournaments ahead, which will be held in Norway.

You have defended your title of the world champion several times. What is the secret of Magnus Carlsen?

I do not even know how to respond. I wanted to become a world champion since my childhood. I was not thinking about such a successful career at that time. The title of world champion gives additional strength. But there is also a certain excitement. After each championship, I start searching for ways to protect my title and I revise my mistakes. I think this is the basis for good preparation.

Modern computers help the chess players to prepare more effectively. It seems that you do not need to bother your brain as before...

There are many opinions about this. Chess is developing rapidly every year. Earlier it was necessary to think for hours to find solutions for difficult situations. Now computers can show all the moves in a few seconds. But the human factor is more important. I think the move found by a human being is more correct. I do use a computer to prepare for the games but I think test games with other chess players are more important. It's hard to maintain a good shape without practice.

Which of the chess pieces is the best reflection of your character? Which of them do you like the most?

There are strong and weak pieces, of course. But they are all the same for me. It is necessary to use them properly. I do not like easy victories in chess, as they do not contribute to development. That’s why I always want to play with strong rivals. If used properly, each piece can be very powerful.