Q. You are no.2 in Georgia, when will you overtake the famous Azmaiparashvili?
A. I don’t know but we are very good friends. I have lost some rating so I am about number 4 or 5 now.

Q. You are known to be very sharp with the white pieces?
A. When you have white, you have the advantage so I try and get the maximum out of the position, but I don’t take to many risks.

Q. Does your family play chess?
A. Yes, all generations. My brother won the U12 Ukrainian championships when he was younger and he is a IM, but he would rather work than play chess, this I don’t understand.

Q. Is a computer a must today or do you still read books?
A. Oh yes. You have information at your fingertips, you can see new games on the Internet. But many trainers make the mistake by only using computers. One should start by reading books, looking through games and later use the computer.

Q. What players did you look up to?
A. Aljechin and Botvinnik. Both completely different styles, I have only one style but would like to mix which is very difficult.

Q. Georgia drew 2 – 2 with Denmark at the European team championships.
A. Yes, I remember I was very tired and drew quickly with Schandorff. But we finished 7th, if I had won my winning game against Greece then we would have finished 3rd. I was under a lot of pressure to win and felt very bad afterwards. It is strange that we always get hammered by Armenia, I know there team is very strong but we always lose 3-1 or 3½-½.

Q. What about Kasparov, will he be back?
A. Yes, I don’t doubt it! But Topalov is very good, so I think Kasparov would like to beat him.

Q. Do you enjoy your visit to Skanderborg?
A. Yes very much and would love to come back. It is a beautiful place and there is peace and quiet. I thank the organisers for inviting me.

Q. Dare you eat the Danish food?
A. No problem, I’ll eat anything. But Chinese and Armenian food are best.

Q. Where are you going from here?
A. The world team championships in Israel, lets hope that we can avoid Armenia!

Thanks for the chat, best of luck in the next round. 

Colin Watson