The 14th Chess World Champion Anna Ushenina is playing in the RSSU Moscow Cup not for the first time. This time she preferred to play in the men’s competition. The correspondent of the tournament official website addressed several questions to the Ukrainian chess player.
- Let’s start with our traditional question. How many times have you played in the Moscow Open?
- Last time I took part in the RSSU Cup ten years ago! And now I’ve decided to play in the strong tournament and visit Moscow.
- This time you are playing in the main tournament of the RSSU Cup. Why did you prefer the men’s tournament to the women’s one?
- I’ve chosen the main tournament as I wanted to play against strong opponents. I think it will help me to show a deserving result in the forthcoming Women’s European Championship.
- Tell me, how did your life turn out to be after the victory in the World Championship?
- Honestly, no major changes in my life. It is nice that now I have my own fan club (laughing). Many chess lovers in Kharkov started to follow my successes and support me in all possible ways. Previously and now I’ve been trying to play chess well and to develop my skills.
- Recently you’ve returned from Saudi Arabia, where the World Rapid Championship was held. Can you tell us a couple of words about this tournament?
- When Saudi Arabia was announced as the host country of the World Championship, many players doubted if they should travel there. I’ve immediately decided for myself – I will go! I was sure, the organizers will do their best to provide all the participants with comfortable conditions. Besides, many chess players of the world elite confirmed their participation in the event, and I got rid of any doubts. I went there and never felt sorry. The organization was quite good.
- How was the tournament for you?
- I was playing rapid chess quite well, but overestimated my strength at some point. I managed to show quite a good result in blitz. Everything went on according to the plan on the second game day, I won over many principle opponents and almost caught up the leading group. I was playing against Valentina Gunina in the last game, obtained a small advantage, decided to intensify the position, and then lost a piece. This loss left me behind medal winners. As a result – the eleventh place.
- Girls were obliged to wear trouser suits at the games of the championship. What do you think of the dress code in the competitions in general?
- Formal dress code rules have always existed. In my opinion, every player must look properly at the competitions. Maybe not a suit, but some formal dress. Personally I always try to follow this rule. Of course, it’s better not to wear shorts (laughing). Such an idea can exist but its implementation should be carried out step by step.
- And last but not least: there are many pictures with cats in your social accounts. Do you love animals?
- At the moment three cats are living in my house, all of them are ladies. My first cat appeared quite long ago, but she very seldom allowed touching her. I had to take another one. I didn’t lose and now get my portion of a cat’s love.
- Thank you for the chat!
Questions were asked by Alina Bivol