One of the most interesting characters at the Moscow Open is the 45-year-old grandmaster from Kazan representing the USA, Ildar Ibragimov.  In the fourth round he defeated Ukrainian prodigy Ilya Nyzhnik while playing black. This victory made Ibragimov one of the leaders of the tournament with 4 points out of 4.

 

- This is your first Moscow Open, isn't it?

- As a player, yes. However, last year I brought many of my students from Kazan to Moscow. So one can say that it was my second tournament. I really like its organization and atmosphere; I meet a lot of old friends here. However, I would like to say that playing in many different rooms it not quite right. Naturally, it is better if you have just one large room. But it is a minor issue, otherwise the tournament fully deserves a 'super' title.

 

- Why have you decided to play yourself, even though your focus is on coaching?

- It is very important to practice. This is why I came to Moscow. I set no special goals for myself. I cover my own travel expenses. I found accommodation rather far from the RSSU, so I am have to spent 30 minutes on the bus to get here.

 

- Your game against Nyzhnik was an interesting one. However, there was no prolonged positional manoeuvers. Ilya forced its own queen in a trap.

- Yes, we have talked about this moment earlier, but he ran into some small trouble even earlier. However, once I captured the queen, all that was left for me was to avoid blunders and see the game through to its logical conclusion.

 

- You are in the lead now with 4 points out of 4, with more than half the distance already behind you.

- I do not want to make any predictions. I would like to repeat that the most important thing for me here is to feel the spirit of the competition. The fact that I am among the leaders right now, does not mean anything at all. Once a Russian Cup event I begun with 5.5 points out of 6. But then I started castling long. Tthree losses in a row. The most important thing is to avoid the same thing in Moscow. The most challenging opponents are still ahead.

 

- A while ago you switched federations and moved to the USA.

- Yes, I even played fourth board for Team USA, alongside Kamsky, Nakamura and Onischuk. We performed well. I have an Olympic bronze in my collection.

 

- And couldn't you strengthen the team now, with their weak fourth board?

- No, I have already decided to move back to Kazan. I am immersed in work now. I really love coaching. As soon as we finish this conversation and I'm off to root for my lads. I have one in almost every tournament.

 

- Perhaps, you should return to team Russia then?

- It would love to, but right now it is not a financially viable option. So, I will keep playing with the US flag for the time being.

 

- You have not been at home for a long time. Did you see a lot of new faces?

- In the ten years the chess scene in Russia has become much younger. I just do not know a lot of people here. Well, it is a good reason to get acquainted.