The first leaders of the National Cup among men of the Moscow Open festival have been determined –the Grandmasters Zhamsaran Tsydypov and Daniil Lintchevski are leading the race with a clean score. They are followed by Polina Shuvalova from Moscow with 3,5 points that beat a young Grandmaster from Uzbekistan Zhavokhir Sindarov in the fourth round. Straight after the game we asked Polina several questions.
- Hello, Polina! Tell us why you’ve decided to play in the main tournament and not the womrn’s one this year?
- I wanted to test myself in a stronger tournament. It is interesting to play with men. In addition, here there is a chance to get International Master or Grandmaster points.
- Did you often play in men’s tournament before?
- To be honest, no. That is why with my coach (Sergey Zagrebelny – editor’s note) we took the decision to dedicate this year to open tournaments and play against strong Grandmasters – since before that I was getting experience only in children’s and women’s competitions.
- What are your feelings, is it easier to play with men or women?
- To be honest, there is no much difference with whom to play since I prepare for games in the same way.
- Soon Moscow will host Aeroflot Open, will you take part in it?
- Unfortunately I won’t be able to play in “Aeroflot” since it coincides with a tournament in Prague that I had been planning to attend for a long time.
- How is this tournament going for you?
So far everything is going well, I have 3,5 points. In the game with the Grandmaster Manuel Petrosyan at some point I had a chance to play to win but I saw this opportunity only after the game. We got quite a beautiful draw by perpetual check. In the game of the fourth round my opponent (Zhavokhir Sindarov – editor’s note) played Janisch Gambit that he had played only once before our game, according to the base. I got a comfortably position, and the opponent spent a lot of time in the opening, made a mistake and I was easily able to lead the game to victory.
- This year Russia is hosting the World Chess Olympiad and can present several teams. We know that you will be in one of them. Tell us about the preparation for this competition.
- Russian Chess Federation has already organized several training camps, and it is of course very beneficial for me. We have very experienced coaches Yuri Yakovich and Igot Lysij that are working with me and other talented girls. We dedicate a lot of time to chess without forgeting about physical preparation - after training we play football or go to the swimming pool.
- Last year you showed brilliant results – in your collection there are victories at the World Junior and Youth Championships. What are you goals for this year?
-I would say, not last year but only at the end of it. In the first half of 2019 I was not in the best shape, I lost some rating, and only at the end of the season I was able to change the situation (laughing). I am now setting a goal to gain experience in strong tournaments, improve my rating. In addition, this year I am to play in at least two important competitions - at the Olympiad and World Cup. That is why I am intensively preparing.
- Thank you, we wish you good luck!
Interviewed by Eladr Mukhametov and Alina Bivol
