In Tournament A, which features the most decorated participants of the tournament, one of the leaders is Azerbaijan's grandmaster Rauf Mamedov. So far, he has a perfect score. Right after the conclusion of his second round game against an international master from Iran, Rauf kindly agreed to talk to us.
- Congratulations. Two points out of two, it's a perfect score. Had you counted on having such a great opening?
- Truth to be told, so far I have been lucky with my opponents. So far I have not faced any serious chess players. In my first game, where I played black, my opponent made a mistake and I was able to immediately capitalize on it; today it was the same. I'd already secured victory 35 moves into the game.
- It is the first Moscow Open for you. Why have you missed the previous ones?
- For 11 years running I had played at an excellent "Aeroflot open" tournament. I had no other openings in my schedule. It's a pity that "Aeroflot" tournament is no longer held in the same format. Now it's only rapid chess and blitz. For me this competition felt like home. I would love to see "Aeroflot" bring the tournament back.
- So, you do not like Moscow Open?
- I was sceptic at first. It's the first challenge after the New Year. I was worried about the sheer number of the rooms you have here, if you play poorly you can be pushed all the way to the end of the corridor - smiled Rauf. - However, in practice it turned out to be very sweet and charming. The organisation is top notch, the hotel right next door.
- Were you surprised to see super grandmaster Yan Nepomniaschtchi among the participants, who has just recently been Carlsen's second and has been playing only at tournaments with 'super' in their name?
- Frankly, I was surprised to see his name on the roster. But it will make things more interesting.
- Your goal is to win?
- Well, I am the third-ranked player here, but I would not like to talk about a possible victory. I simply was to make a good display of chess and preserve my rating (2651).
- Tomorrow you are playing black, what will be your approach to the game?
- As soon as I learn the name of my opponent, I will prepare for it.