Teimour Radjabov: “Baku Chess Olympiad historic event for country’s sport”
Azerbaijani chess player Teimour Radjabov has answered questions of the press service of the Baku Chess Olympiad Operating Committee
- Teimour Radjabov has not been seen in any tournaments of late. What is the reason?
- I had plannedto take part in major tournaments in this period, but wasn’t invited to any. This is why my training and preparation plans have largely been disrupted.
- You will participate in the traditional Vugar Gashimov Memorial due to start in Shamkir in a few days. What are your objectives for this tournament?
- I always try to compete for the best result in any tournament. Similarly, I will try to perform as best as I can in Shamkir.
- World champion Magnus Carlsen will not play in Shamkir this year. How will his absence affect competition in your view?
- Last time I played in the Vugar Gashimov Memorial in Shamkir, I managed to beat Magnus Carlsen. Therefore, it would be good if Carlsen played in Shamkir this year too. If he was among the participants, he would certainly be favorite to win the tournament. His absence will more competition among other players even tighter.
- Who is your coach now?
- Such information is usually not disclosed to the media. When the coach is known, the competition knows how to play against you.
- Baku is getting ready to host the 42nd World Chess Olympiad. What does the organization of a competition of such proportions in the Azerbaijani capital mean to you?
- We, Azerbaijani chess players, take huge pride in the fact that the World Chess Olympiad is to be held in Baku. Azerbaijan plays host to a number of prestigious sporting events and is deservedly recognized all over the world as the best organizer of high-profile competitions. The fact that the World Chess Olympiad will be held in Azerbaijan also enhances the responsibility of Azerbaijani chess players. We want to do our best to delight our fans.
- What result can we expect from the Azerbaijan men’s team in the Baku Olympiad?
- If we manage to display the right form, you can expect the highest result from the national team. It should not be forgotten that the Azerbaijani team is a two-time European champion.
- What will the Chess Olympiad give to Azerbaijani sport?
- The World Chess Olympiad being held in Baku is a remarkable and historic achievement. It will give a huge impetus to the promotion of chess in the world, including our country. Olympiads receive global media coverage. The Olympiad will also introduce chess to many kids. It is important for the younger generation to play chess, as those playing chess stay away from pernicious habits.
- How would you describe the situation in Azerbaijani chess today?
- As I have already mentioned, the Azerbaijani national team is a two-time European champion. In different years, our national team won silver and bronze medals of the continental championship. Of Azerbaijani chess players, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and myself have participated in candidates tournaments two times. The potential of chess in Azerbaijan is therefore quite high.
- Azerbaijan will be represented by three men’s and three women’s teams in the Olympiad. What impact will participation in such a competition have on young Azerbaijani chess players?
- Of course, our young chess players will gain a lot of experience. It will be a great school for them in terms of psychological preparedness. It will also provide them with an impetus for advancing to a higher level. I do hope that both our men’s and women’s teams will acquire a strong reserve after the Baku Chess Olympiad.
- What other competitions will you participate in this year?
- I will take part in the Vugar Gashimov Memorial due to start in Shamkir in a few days. Then comes the World Chess Olympiad, followed by the Spanish championship among teams and a rapid chess tournament in Corsica. At the end of the year, I will also attend the world championship in rapid and blitz chess to be held in Qatar.
