One of the most pleasant surprises of the Moscow Open has been the outsanding play of the 12-year-old candidate master Saveliy Golubov (2225). In the first three rounds, the young prodigy from the Moscow suburb Khotkov has won 2.5 points of 3 possible. In his last game Saveliy was able to secure a draw playing against Pridorozhni, who is rated 2523.

- Saveliy,  you are one of the youngest competitors of the Moscow Open, and not many have heard of you before. Tell us a bit about yourself.

- I am from the Moscow Suburb Khotkov [ remarks a shy Golubov]. I was introduced to chess when I was two. Yes, yes, even then Grandpa instead of getting out toys showed me the king and pawns and taught me how they move. By the time I was five I was playing in my first serious tournament, though, I don’t remember the result. It was so long ago.

- What is your title?

- Right now candidate master, but I’ve set a goal to become a grandmaster by 14. I hope I will be able to reach it. I’m working hard at it.

- How many hours a day?

- Sometimes on days when I don’t have school I’ll spend 10 hours, but on average 5.

- Is it something you enjoy yourself, or do your parents have to motivate you?

- No, are you kidding me? I really find it very interesting doing chess. If it was something I were pushed into, it’s unlikely I would be getting results.

- What were your previous performances in Moscow Open like?

- I participated in the children’s tournaments. The first time I split 3-4 place, after the extra criteria ended up taking fourth. Since then everything completely turned around.

- Tell us about your two victories.

- In the first game I was able to outplay my opponent with a rating of 2482 owing to a tactical strike. The second opponent [rated 2482] made a blunder in time trouble. Just now I was able to get a draw agaist Grandmaster Pridorozhni [rated 2523].

- What is your goal for this tournament?

- I want to gain 35-40 rating points. So far I’ve got 29, but I’ve got six rounds ahead of me.

- Who is your favorite chess player, of the old generation and the current?

- I really like the creativity of Alekhine and Fisher. Now I’m attracted to the play of Aronian and Grischuk.

- Why not Carlsen?

- I don’t know, I just like Aronian’s style better.