Interview with Anna Zatonskih

Roaming the Expo Center of the Chess Olympiad provides ample opportunity for catching up with players; this time Anastasia Karlovich “arrested” Anna Zatonskih, who plays for the United States, right after her game against Ukrainian Natalia Zhukova had ended in a draw.

  1. So, Anna, how is it going so far in the match against Ukraine and what can you tell us about your game?

Actually I don’t know, I didn’t follow the other games! I think Nazi Paikidze (ed: board 2 of the USA) is doing fine, but the other two boards I am not aware of. I drew today; I got an advantage from the opening and I was trying hard to find the best lines, but then I couldn’t find anything - and then I got in trouble. So I should probably be happy with the draw.

  • I think you’ve played against Natalia many many times before. How is it in general to play against the Ukrainian team? I think everybody knows that you come from Ukraine!

Well yes, but I moved from Ukraine 14 years ago, already a long time, so… Of course, if I had the possibility not to play, I would rather rest; but our team captain said I should play, so… I don’t mind.

  • In how many Olympiads have you participated? You have played both for Ukraine and the USA, can you give us some numbers?

I played twice for Ukraine and 7 times for the United States.

  • So you’ve been to 9 Olympiads already! What are your impressions overall, and how can you compare them to the Baku Olympiad?

I like this Olympiad! It is very well organized and I am really impressed with how popular chess is in Baku! It’s nice to see things like chess buses, it’s incredible, big posters too. And I was surprised that ordinary people on the street know who Mamedyarov and Radjabov are! I doubt that you would find, in the United States or Ukraine, an ordinary person on the street that knows chess players, so this is really something!

  • I happen to know that you are here with your second baby and a babysitter! How is it, combining these duties?

Aaah! (sighs…) Of course it’s difficult. I don’t have much time for my preparation, but OK, I didn’t have any choice, my child is too little to leave at home. But I hope it’s good motivation; I want to prove that being a mom and playing chess, representing my country in the Olympiad, is possible, and that it’s possible to play well. I will try hard to prove that you can combine motherhood and kids with chess on a very high level!

  • That is great! In general, what are you fighting for as a team here, in this particular Olympiad? I think you have a really strong team this time.

Okay, this is very difficult but we are trying to fight for medals; for medals or a place in the top five, something like this. We won the bronze medals in Dresden 2008, so this shows it is possible for the United States; even though we are seeded 6th, I think we do have chances.

  • Thank you Anna! I wish good luck to you and the team in this tournament!