The winner of the students’ tournament among girls, the leader of the Belarusian national team Olga Badelko popped into the press centre of the festival after the closing ceremony and answered several questions.

- Olia, congratulations on the victory! Tell us how the tournament was going for you?
- In general, it was not easy to play, I made several draws in a winning position, at some point I lost the concentration during the game. Then I got myself together and won two important games at the final straight.

- How did you feel before the game of the last round?
- I had competitive spirit but deep inside there was understanding that coefficients were good and a draw would not have spoiled the result. My competitor in an equal position offered a draw but I decided to play and refused, and, as a result, I won in two moves.

- Can you single out any special game at this tournament?
- To be honest I cannot say if there were any. In all the games I had a stable advantage, and at some moments I was losing it that was resulting in draws. More often I was able to pass the game into a nice endgame and finish it in a victory.

- Why in endgame?
- In my opinion, girls do not know it that well (laughing). On the contrary, I feel quite confident in endings. In general, I like these “gooey” positions, they match my style.

- Is your university satisfied with your performance?
- Of course! We have already accepted congratulations with Semen Khanin. During the tournament we received help from the Grandmaster Igor Lisiy, he is coordinating chess at our university. We are grateful to him for support!

- Did you manage to visit any places in Moscow these days?
- I walked around the VDNKh on my way to the games and back, I did not go too far – I was preparing for the games.

- How Belorussia is preparing for the World Chess Olympiad?
- The team list is now known yet; it’s most likely that young sportsmen will be playing. I consider this tournament very important, that is why I dedicate a lot of time to individual training.

- Can you single out your recent important success?
- Not so long ago I played at the memorial event of M.A. Lozovatskiy, I was trying to compete for the Men’s grandmaster norm. I was not able to reach a norm but I boosted well my rating.

- What are your nearest plans?
- I am going to play in Aeroflot Open, and then I don’t know – I am looking for strong tournaments. 

- Thank you!