Sergei Karyakin: “Everything reminds me of Vugar Gashimov in Shamkir”

Interview by Vestnik Kavkaza

Yesterday chess player Sergei Karyakin tied with the current world champion Magnus Carlsen in the eighth round of the Vugar Gashimov Memorial Competition, which is taking place in the Azerbaijani town of Shamkir. He told Vestnik Kavkaza about the tournament and the world of chess in general.

-          What do you think about Shamkir Chess 2014? This is a new experience for the small town to hold such a big tournament with the participation of world grand masters.

-          The tournament is being held at a high level. I mean food, hotels, we drive in wonderful cars. And the general attitude to us is very warm and hospitable. The only reason for being sad is the title of the tournament, which is devoted to Vugar. As for organization itself, it is perfect.

-          You and Vugar Gashimov were close friends. Do you have a special attitude to the tournament?

-          Of course, when I come to a common tournament, I think about chess only; but here a lot reminds me of Vugar. I miss his recommendations, I miss walking with him, as we had really close relations; we played a lot – billiards, bowling. Everything reminds me of him here.

-          The mass media has already described Shamkir as the Azerbaijani Linares. Do you think the town could be turned into a world chess center, if the tournament becomes annual?

-          My only wish is to make the tournament annual, and it is very important that it should be held at the highest level the first time. If it is annual, sometime later it could be one of the most prestigious tournaments. Everything is in hands of the organizing side.

-          What should be done to return the chess crown to Russia, which has always been famous for the strongest grandmasters?

-          Speaking about world champions, most of them came from the Soviet chess school. I belong to this school as well to some extent, as all my main coaches originate from it. When I began to play chess in childhood, I dreamt about being the world champion. I am the world champion in rapid chess, and now I am dreaming about being a classic chess world champion. I have sponsors, I have my support team which helps me very much. I will do my best to fulfil my dream.

-          As far as I know, the Indian grandmaster Viswanathan Anand defeated you in the Candidate Tournament. Did you have chances of winning? What is the reason for your defeat?

-          I wasn’t defeated by Anand. He had more scores in the tournament situation, but I tied with him in both games. In the second game, which was played in the last round, I had chances of winning. Anyway, the pure second place is also very good. I wasn’t upset.

-          Who do you think will win the world crown – Anand or Carlsen?

-          Of course Carlsen is the favourite, as he won the previous tournament with a high score. But Anand will play enthusiastically this time, as he has already got certain experience. He will correct his mistakes. Moreover, if the game is not in India he won’t feel pressured by his native walls. I think it was difficult for him to play, as he has a lot of fans in India. Moreover, this time he is a candidate, and it is Carlsen who has to prove that he is the strongest.

-          The unique success by Magnus Carlsen is fascinating. What is his secret? Is it new technologies, the European lobby, using Kasparov’s services, or good luck?

-          I don’t think the point is in good luck. A series of events led to his championship. First of all, he is very talented. Moreover, he has great support. He is sponsored by 10 major companies. None of the current chess players has such support. He feels comfortable. Everything is done for him, all problems are solved. But he shows brilliant playing. I have once defeated him, I think it is real at least in one game. Everything is in the hands of chess players.

-          What do you think about the level of chess development in the countries of the South Caucasus? Do you think the chess crown will come to Azerbaijan one day?

-          There were three great chess players in Azerbaijan: Vugar Gashimov, Shakhriyar Mamedjarov and Teimur Rajabov. Unfortunately, today there are only two of them, but both of them are strong. They have the second team, there are talented guys. They are able to win a command world tournament, the Europe tournament, the Olympics. As for individual tournaments, Shakhriyar Mamedjarov could take the first place in the Candidate Tournament last year. Chess is well developed in Azerbaijan.

-          You were born in Crimea. In 2004 you were awarded “The Pride of Ukraine” and used to live in Kramatorsk. What do you think about the current Ukrainian events?

-          As for Kramatorsk, I had been living there for two years only, when I was 10-12. There was a strong chess school. Ruslan Ponamaryov, Yekaterina Lagno were students of the school. There were many strong players. It used to be a strong school, but it collapsed. And I left Kramatorsk.

As for the events, of course I feel pain, watching the events, as I have many friends among Ukrainians and I wish we all lived in peace.