Players talk of first stage of preparations

The Azerbaijan men’s second team preparing for the 42nd World Chess Olympiad 9in Baku has completed the first training session. It involved six chess players: Gadir Guseinov, Vasif Durarbayli, Namig Guliyev, Nijat Abbasov, Vugar Rasulov and Ulvi Bajarani. The players have shared the impressions of the training process with the press service of the Baku Chess Olympiad.

Gadir Guseinov: “I am pleased with the training process. Of course, it is difficult to say something more specific after only a first training session. The Baku Chess Olympiad is important for every chess player. Such training sessions are very helpful in preparing well for such a significant event. There is a good spirit in the team. The players understand each other very well. We will certainly do our best to perform well in this prestigious competition.”

Vasif Durarbayli: “It is always a pleasure to train under the guidance of Emil Sutovsky. We have known him for a long time. There is a good relationship among our team members. We are sure that the Azerbaijan men’s second team will also be in the spotlight during the 42nd World Chess Olympiad. I have to say that we have been provided with excellent conditions to prepare for the event. We will do our utmost to perform well in the Olympiad.”

Namig Guliyev: “We have worked on some openings. With the aid of the computer, we looked into possible opening variations. We have to work hard if we want to succeed. There is still sufficient time left for the 42nd World Chess Olympiad. The conditions are excellent. Everything has been done for us to do well. The Baku Chess Olympiad will be a landmark event for each one of us. We would like to delight our fans with good results.”

Nijat Abbasov: “The first stage of preparations was held in Baku. We have worked with Emil Sutovsky before as well. It was under his guidance that the “Odlar Yurdu” team competed in the European Cup. It is both interesting and useful to work with him. He knows the strengths and weaknesses of each one of us. Our main goal is to finish in top 10.”

Vugar Rasulov: “There will be strong competition in the 42nd World Chess Olympiad. Every team will try to do well. It will be a good test for the country’s second team. Each one of us should try his best. There is a good team spirit among us. We will do our best to be remembered in the Olympiad.”

Ulvi Bajarani: “It is very important for each one of us to participate in the 42nd World Chess Olympiad. The main goal is to do as best as we can in the Chess Olympiad being held on our home soil.”

The initial stage of preparations in Baku was held under the guidance of Israeli grandmaster and European champion Emil Sutovsky.

Press service of the Baku Chess Olympiad