Arkadij Naiditsch: "It doesn’t matter what board I play on "

Azerbaijan’s first team beat Hungary 3:1 in the third round of the 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku. Arkadij Naiditsch defeated Benjamin Gledura on the fourth board.

Commenting on his game in a press conference, Arkadij Naiditsch said, “It was a very tense game. I managed to equalize out of the opening. Then my opponent started to play a bit strangely and I managed to take advantage of that. Closer to the time control I got a slight edge. Curiously enough, we lost to Hungary in the European championship 3.5-0.5, and the only half-point was earned from the game against GM Peter Leko. Although Leko is not playing in the Olympiad, the Hungarian team is still quite strong in his absence. So we worked quite hard to prepare for the match.”

By the time Arkadij Naiditsch finished his game, his teammate Shakhriyar Mamedyarov won his game on the first board, while Teimour Radjabov lost his on the second. “The match was quite difficult from the very beginning. Shakhriyar’s position was not clear. After three hours of play, it looked like he would win. Teimour, on the contrary, was in a difficult situation. Rauf has a slight advantage, but it looks like a draw. So Rauf and I had to play for a win. We did out best to win.”

Arkadij Naiditsch said it didn’t matter for him what board to play on. “All five players on our team are strong. Shakhriyar and Teimour need no introduction. Since I play on the fourth board, I am considered favorite because of my rating. However, it is a long tournament. Everyone is doing his best to bring maximum benefit to the team. It does not matter for me what board I play on.”

Arkadij Naiditsch also pointed to the high level of his teammate Teimour Radjabov. “Teimour Radjabov is a top-class player. He is one of the strongest players in the world. He knows best of all what he should do.”

The Azerbaijani grandmaster said the atmosphere in the team was very positive. “I have been friends with our team coach Etienne Bacrot for all many years. I know him very well. Our captain Alexey Dreev has worked with Shakhriyar and Rauf before. The atmosphere in the team is very positive. Everyone is determined to win.”

In conclusion, Arkadij Naiditsch said there were three favorites to win the Olympiad. “The obvious favorites are Russia, USA and China. Our overall performance will depend on how well we do against these teams. With a bit of luck, it is possible to win a medal.”