Leontxo Garcia Interview With Sergey Karjakin (after the fourth round)

Sergey Karjakin. Photo Pascal Villalba (Notzai)

Q: What do you think about your first results in this tournament?

A: It’s the first time I beat somebody so strong like Shirov in a tournament game. So, that’s really very exceptional and makes me very happy.

Q: How did you managed to become grandmaster at only 12 years old?

A: Just working hard. Nothing else special or, at least, I don’t remember anything more important.

Leontxo Garcia. Photo Pascal Villalba (Notzai)

Q: What’s the most difficult part of chess for you?

A: Nothing, I don’t now. So far, everything was very easy for me.

Q: One year ago you were one of Ponomariov’s team members. Why?

A: Before that I beat him in a couple of friendly rapid games in a chess club, and I think he was impressed by that. So, he invited me to work with him.

Q: How is a normal day in your life?

A: After breakfast, I go to the chess club. And after lunch as well. I also play some table tennis and I like reading and watching TV.

Q: You mean you don’t go to the school?

A: Only sometimes.

Q: And what about your hobbies?

A: Besides chess and table tennis, nothing special. Just some movies, like any other boy of my age.

Q: What’s your favourite dish?

A: Chicken with potatoes.

Q: Ponomariov, Volokitin, Karjakin - three very young chess stars coming from Ukraine. What’s the secret?

A: We have a fantastic chess school, with very good chess teachers and coaches.

Q: Who is your chess hero?

A: Nobody. I like all the champions, but nobody in particular.

Q: When do you expect to be world champion?

A: At 16.