At the beginning of November there was held World Chess Championship among veterans in the city of Italy, Arco. As a rule Georgian players always participate in such kind of tournaments, this time Nona Gaphrindashvili 5 times World Champion and Tamar Khmiadashvili took parts in it.
It is noteworthy that Nona Gaphrindashvili became a champion of this tournament last year. She did not used to participate in this tournament that’s why it was her first victory. As for Tamar Khmiadashvili she is three times champion of this tournament, eight times she won silver medal. This year she became a champion again in spite of strong resistance. There was written about interview with her about this victory on the official web-site of Georgian Chess Federation.
- Becoming world champion the 4th times is not easy, what is your trump?
- The main trump of the success is deep love of chess and the belief that you can win. I am fanatically in love with chess and I try to participate systematically in some tournaments. The other trump is good sport condition. Other factors also play big role in final success: lucky, health condition, resistance and so on… this year I became champion very hard, I am proud of that could won over Nona Gaphrindashvili, it is not easy to do. I am satisfied with my playing- I was in good condition during championship. That’s all helped me to win this title.
- You lost only once during the tournament, with Nona Gaphrindashvili. What can you say about this match?
- I was playing with white pieces and had chance of winning, but as it often happens I lost due to being absent-minded and due to some chess rules. By the way I made the same mistakes which I pay most attention while teaching my pupils, maybe it is irony of destiny.
- What can you say about opponents? Was it easy to win over them?
- It was very difficult, but o managed it and gathered necessary points. I am glad that I could beat favorites. I won 6 matches and drew two and lost only once. By the way, everybody congratulated me and I was said that, I deserved being a champion. Such estimation from opponents means much.
- You said that you love chess fanatically, so this tournament is not last one for you.
- I am not going to stop, if I become 5th times world champion then will think stop playing or not.
- Chess fans know very well that besides World Championship you became European Champion this year, but in compare with World Championship you became European Champion first time.
- To tell the truth I had not necessary financial opportunities before and that’s why could not participate in this tournament. This year I managed and fortunately I won the main title.
- Does your success reflect on your life- have you awarded with some prize money or other gifts for such success?
- I was awarded only with prize money of this tournament. For becoming World Champion I was awarded with 600 EUR, it was exactly tickets price. Fortunately, Georgian Chess Federation helped me and they paid money for tournaments’ formalities. Some people promised me help before, but then they changed minds. It happens for years and I got used it. I have never been warded with some prize money and I think in the future will happen the same.
- You look very young and hopeful, you successfully play against young players also.
- I get big pleasure while playing against young players. It in naturally that when you get old it becomes more and more difficult to beat them but it is pleasant when there is good generation. As far as you know I am trainer also and playing practice is also very necessary. So, my participation in some tournaments reflects on my activities very well.
- Once again my congratulations and all the best wishes.
- Thanks a lot.
