In the student grandmaster round-robin at the RSSU Cup, Vladimir Belous advanced to a clear lead after his victory over Yuri Eliseev. His score is 4 points out of 5. Let us remember that two years ago Belous won a Russian Cup event at the Moscow Open.
- Vladimir, you have prevailed in the battle of leaders by defeating Yuri Eliseev. The game was a very interesting one, tell us about it, please.
- I would like to speak about the tournament as a whole a bit. So far it has been working out well for me. However, I would point out that for some reason calculating the variations well. Maybe I think too hard [Vladimir smiles]. As a result, I end up under time pressure in almost every game and have to race the flag. In the opening of this game I was able to set up a little trap, I won the advantage. Then, there followed a series of mutual mistakes. Then right before the time control, when we both ended up under time pressure, it seems to me now that I lost it all with one move. He did not notice it, though, and in an instant, he was the one having to resign. I still haven't seen the computer analysis of the game yet - I will do that later.
- So, you got lucky.
- You could say that.
- Every year the Moscow Open becomes more and more attractive. More players sign up, elite grandmasters are taking part. However, maybe there is something that you would like to change....
- Personally, I am happy with everything. My only complaint is the location, it is far away from where I live (Losino-Ostrovskaya near Moscow) and taking transport, it would have taken everything out of me. Thanks God, my neighboor Irina Alexandrovna Vasilevich, the director of Anatoly Kaprov school, kindly agreed to drive me. It helps a lot, I am very grateful to her.
- And what about enormous traffic jams due to heavy snowfall?
- Not much to do about that. Fortunately we escaped the worst of them. There were some difficulties, but nothing too bad.
- What was your goal for the tournament?
- The goal is always the same, to play well and improve my level. One should win based on it, not on luck.
- Who is your idol in chess?
- There no single player. In the upcoming tournament I will root for Vladimir Kramnik and Alexander Grischuk.
- What is your explanation of Carlsen's phenomena?
- Excellent technique, he is not afraid of anything. He always plays for a win, with either color, right out of the opening. It commands respect. If Magnus makes it through the opening, he can roll over anyone.