R.Mammadov: "Each of us would like to be able to perform successfully at the Chess Olympiad in Baku"

Azerbaijani grandmaster Rauf Mammadov talked about his victory in the World intellectual games (chess blitz tournament in China), about his lack of participation in the country championship and about the 42nd Chess Olympiad which will be held in Baku in September this year.

- We would like to start our conversation with the intellectual games which were held in China. You got the gold medal by winning the 1st place in the Blitz tournament. On the eve of the race was there a belief for such a success?
- The Intellectual Games are organized in China for already 5 years. However, it was the first time in my career I was invited to participate in this competition. First, the rapid competition winners were announced. Shahriyar Mammadyarov was awarded the gold medal in that tournament. Before the blitz tournament Shahriyar told me that we would be successfull in this tournament too. As a result, I won the gold medal in the blitz. Azerbaijani grandmasters achieved success in two races out of three. Fortunately, the flag of Azerbaijan was raised twice, the national anthem was played twice in China. It is difficult to explain what you feel in this situation by words.

- What was the most difficult game in the tournament for you?
- I can mention the last match. The game with Ding Liren was interesting. As he was one point above me, it was expected that he would finish the race as the winner. The meeting with China's best chess player was not easy. Although gaining the victory was difficult it was important. I am glad that I came to Baku with a gold medal.

- These days, the country’s championship is being held. Why you don’t participate?
- I am very tired after the race in China. That's why I could not take part in the national championship. I felt that I need some rest. For this reason, I am not among the participants in the championship this year. I wish good luck to all my colleagues who took part in the championship.To my mind the champion will be Gadir Huseynov, Eltaj Safarli or Vasif Durarbəy. They are the most experienced players of the tournament.

- At present, the candidates tournament is being held in Moscow. The winner will meet the champion Magnus Carlsen in struggle for the World Champion title. In your opinion, which of the participants may deprive Carlsen of his title?
- The most powerful chess players have gathered in Moscow. At the moment, it is the beginning of the race, so it is too early to talk about the final. However, I think Carlsen will defend his title. It is hard to stop Magnus. Norwegian will defend his title this year.

- We would like to know your thoughts about the Chess Olympiad which will be held in Baku. It will be of double importance for you as for a Chess player.
- We always used to travel to other countries to participate in the Chess Olympiad. But now everyone will come to Baku. İt is a very important event. Baku Chess Olympiad will have an important role in the history of sport in Azerbaijan. Approximately 2,500 players, coaches and guests will visit the capital. I believe that this tournament will be organized at the highest level. Last year we hosted the FIDE World Chess Cup Tournament. Everyone was pleased with the tournament. In this sense, I am sure that the guests will see a high level of organization at the Chess Olympiad.

- How do Azerbijaniani players prepare to this championship?
- There will be preparatory meetings held by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation. We must know the plan of preparation to the tournament for the teams. In this race Azerbaijan will be represented by three teams among both women and men. It is a great chance for young people. It is good that young chess players will play besides the core team at the Olympiad. Young people will have a great experience. Each of them will get the chance to show himself.

- What do you think about the chances of Azerbaijan chess players of getting success in Olympiad in Baku?
-We can talk about it only after the preparation. Of course, everyone understands the responsibility. As a team, each of us would like to be able to deliver a successful Chess Olympiad in Baku.

The press service of the Baku Chess Olympiad Operating Committee