Representatives of more than thirty countries play in the RSSU Mosow Open Cup. Today we were lucky to talk to international master Juan Carlos Guerrero, who arrived from distant Columbia.

- Juan Carlos, we are happy to see you in our press-center! Do you play in the tournament for the first time? What are your successes?

- I’ve been 4 times in Moscow, but it was long ago. I’m playing for the second time in your tournament after ten years! Now I’ve got 4 scored points, and I think it’s an average result.

- Does Moscow attract you?

- I love to play chess in your country! I love your weather, we don’t have any snow in Columbia (laughing). Now I’m studying Russian language to be able to read your chess books. I can understand some words (laughing). In two weeks I will come in Russia again – will play in the Aeroflot Open.  

- Tell us a little bit about your life: what are you doing, what are your goals?

- Now I’m finishing the University of Columbia, faculty of physics and engineering.  I plan to become an international grandmaster. If I succeed I will become the eighth grandmaster in the history of my country. In March Columbia will organize a tournament, providing qualification to the National team of the country. I need to play well there to be selected to the National team. I would be happy to play in the Olympiad (Georgia, 2018 – editorial remark).  

- Have you ever thought of becoming a coach?

- Sometimes I give chess lessons in my university but it’s more as a possibility to get some extra money. In my opinion I need to achieve a higher chess title to become a good coach.

- Do you want to devote your life to chess? 

- I am not sure yet. Probably, when I gain my chess goal, I will come back to my activity in the engineering sphere.

Questions were asked by Eldar Mukhametov and Alina Bivol.