Day 5 of the WYCC 2013

As we said before, the number of the countries at the World Youth Chess Championship 2013 is more than 120. Even if the championship is an individual one, the coaches and parents from one country unite and support each other.

The Russian Chess Federation is very much interested in developing chess amongst children. The fact that the delegation from Russia is one of the biggest at the World Youth Chess Championship is a proof to it. More than 180 participants from Russia are supported by their parents together with their coaches. The total number of Russian "team" is more than 250 people. We met the International Grandmaster Mikhail Kobalia who is the head of the Russian delegation here. Here is what he shared with us:

• Mikhail, how many players did come to Al Ain to participate in the World Youth?

   

• There are more than 180 participants of this year championship. Of course we came with coaches, parents; we even have our own doctor. Three coaches, Farukh Ammonatov, Sergey Arkhipov and Konstantin Sakaev are the official coaches of our delegation. Of course some of the players have their own supporters and trainers as well.

   

• The delegation is quite big. So, does the leadership of the Russian Chess Federation support chess amongst children?

   

• Indeed, this is true, Russian Chess Federation supports and makes all efforts to develop chess amongst children. Our kids have worked hard as well, we are winners of many international individual as well as team competitions.

   

• I may guess that you have some complaints regarding either accommodation or food here, at least at the start of the event. Do you see any changes now?

   

• Yes, I can't say that all went smoothly from the very beginning. I have witnessed the huge lines in the canteen. The menu could have been more various as well. Also, as a head of delegation, I did not finalize financial things with the organizers yet. But let's hope that every other day would be less problematic and chaotic.

   

• As from my own experience, professional chess players don't like to give interviews, make any prognosis and whatsoever before they finish a tournament. Does it also concern young participants?

   

• Well, it is too early to make any prognosis of course. There are competitors and rivals in any category. Moreover, they are kids, everything can happen here. Just I would like to say that we are well prepared and we do set our hopes for our players and let's look forward for the good results.

   

One of the coaches of the Russian team, GM Farukh Ammonatov, answered our questions as well.

• As far as the organization is concerned, I have also read some negative opinions. Some people from our delegation has been faced some problems as well. But from what I experienced all requests and addresses were met and satisfied as far as possible.

   

• Russia is one of the biggest chess countries in the world. The number of chess professionals in Russia is amazing. So, may I assert that the young participants from Russia are favorites of the championship?

   

• We have many players of good level in every category. We do hope that Russia will have the most number of medals.

   

• I wish you luck in this. Tell me how do you spend your time here?

   

• Well, of course the main and most important attention is given to chess preparation. Chess is being dynamically developed in every part of the planet. We have got a lot of contestants: we should prepare thoroughly with every chess player no matter how old he or she is. So, as a rule, we spend quite a time in the morning before each round for preparations. After the game, we let kids rest. They spend time with their parents.

   

It was a nice surprise to meet another professional chess player from Russia Denis Khismatullin in Al Ain. We stopped him outside and asked a few questions:

• Denis, tell me, are you participating in the Open tournament here?

   

• No, I came here to help my pupil, a participant of the category U-14 Open, Maxim Litvinov. He is from Bashkiria and I train him since not so long ago. Maxim is a reigning Russian Chess Champion U-14.

   

• So, you have been preparing with him before the Championship individually?

   

• Well, not only. He had also attended some training camps before the tournament. He, as well as other Russian players have been seriously preparing for the Championship. So far, it is not going off smoothly as I would like to. But half of the tournament is ahead, so, we still can fight and show good performance.

   

• I have spoken to the Head of your delegation Mikhail Kobalia and one of the official trainers Farukh Ammonatov. They both believe and hope that Russian representatives will fight for the first places and they are sure that Russia has  chances to win as many medals as possible. What is your opinion?

   

• It has been already a tradition that Russia has been always fighting for high places and the most number of medals. But there are a lot of well prepared players from other countries as well. We always try our best.

   

• Denis, how did you come to the trainer's work? And how do you like it to be a coach?

   

• I am a beginner in training let's say. I started to work with Maxim not so long ago as I said. As for your question if I like it. Undoubtedly it is new impressions I feel. Let's say there is an inner fight between a player and a trainer going on in me still. I get accustomed to be a coach gradually. In general I may say that I like it.

   

• What can you say about your student? Does he have an interest, talent, motivation, assiduity or all in one?

   

• I think a little bit from each parts you mentioned.

   

• How do you spend your free time here?

   

• We hardly have free time here. We train chess a lot, prepare for the games, analyze after each round. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, rest.

   

• Thank you so much, Denis. Wish you and Maxim luck in the tournament.

Some late games of Day 5 are here. Rest of the gallery at: http://worldyouth2013.com/gallery