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The triumph of youth over expertise!
Full interview with Staff Uzbekistan after they received the Olympiad | Video: ChessBase India
Sagar Shah (SS): Guys. congratulations. How is the sensation proper now? I believe you guys are very drained, you haven’t slept a lot.
GM Jakhongir Vakhidov (JV): Yeah [smiles]. Within the final couple of rounds, we solely slept for a few hours every evening. There was emotional stress as a result of every match was so vital to us. We are joyful as a result of now the match has completed, and now we can have relaxation. We’re additionally joyful as a result of we completed nice, as Carlsen stated “all the pieces is sweet when it ends good”.
Staff Uzbekistan within the closing ceremony, with the gold medals and trophy | Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
SS: I believe what’s particular concerning the group is that every one of you’re so younger, I believe one of many youngest groups aside from India 2. The opposite factor is, every one in every of you contributed to the group’s success. To start with, Abdusattorov, you defeated Fabiano Caruana and helped your group draw the match towards USA. How did you are feeling beating Caruana?
Nodirbek Abdusattorov (NA): I felt very joyful. However on the similar time, I used to be a little bit bit disenchanted as a result of we had nice successful possibilities as Jakhongir had a successful place. Total, I am fairly happy with our efficiency within the Olympiad, and I am positive with this group we will battle for the following Olympiad as properly.
Abdusattorov performed a improbable recreation towards Caruana to defeat him in Spherical 4. They drew the match towards USA 2-2 | Photograph: FIDE/Stev Bonhage
SS: When Caruana performed the transfer 23.d5 in this place, have been you stunned?
NA: No, I used to be truly not stunned as a result of I used to be anticipating d5. He will get some exercise with Nf5 and Qh4, however I had calculated his concept, so I used to be fairly optimistic with my possibilities. I used to be a little bit bit stunned with the engine’s analysis, because it offers 0.00. However I did not agree with this analysis, as a result of I am only a pawn up and taking part in for two outcomes. I used to be simply very proud of the sport.
SS: Within the match towards India 1, Abdusattorov had a troublesome recreation towards Harikrishna, however it was Shamsiddin who managed to beat Sasikiran to attract the match 2-2. Are you able to inform us a bit about how that felt?
Shamsiddin might need performed solely 4 video games, however he scored 3 wins and 1 attract these! Photograph: FIDE/Madelene Belinki
Shamsiddin Vokhidov (SV): I didn’t count on Sasikiran to play 3.Bb5+ within the Sicilian, as a result of he normally performs 3.d4. Within the middlegame, he began to play a little bit bit unusual with this h3-Bh2- Kh1 plan. This plan is perhaps a bit illogical, however perhaps he had his personal concept within the place.
Within the middlegame half, he began to take lengthy thinks, and he made a very unusual selection by taking part in 34.Nxd4, exchanging the knight with the bishop.
After that, I had a very sturdy bishop and a handed pawn, and I used to be very proud of gaining this place.
SS: You received the sport very easily after that, you didn’t give any likelihood to your opponent!
JV: We have been ready when he will push f5 [smiles], and he timed it completely. He repeated the place 2 instances, and we have been so frightened as a result of if he repeats 3 instances, it’s going to be a draw [everyone laughs]. However he stored it below management.
SS: In opposition to Germany, I believe it was Yakubboev who managed to win towards Bluebaum. I believe when your opponent performed ..g6, it was a mistake proper?
Nodirbek Yakubboev offers a pleasant smile to the photographers earlier than the video games begin | Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (NY): Sure. He ought to simply play 21…Bf4, and it is an equal recreation. However after 22.Bh4, I believe it is simply successful if White performs properly. 21…g6 was the ultimate mistake.
SS: It was an early mistake, and also you capitalized on it. You beat Germany, which was a giant consequence. Then got here the Silver medalists Armenia, and also you beat them 3-1. Sindarov, Nf5 was such a lovely sacrifice towards Samvel Ter-Sahakyan!
GM Javokhir Sindarov (JS): I believe towards Armenia, all of us performed very properly. In my recreation, I had ready till 18 strikes.
GM Javokhir Sindarov is the youngest member of the squad. He turned the second youngest Grandmaster for a brief span! Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
In my prep, I had ready for him to play Rc8 first, however within the recreation he performed 13…Re8 adopted by 16…Rc8. After that, I used to be by myself. However I knew the concept – it’s a must to play c4, e4, Bd4, queen involves f2, and there would possibly be a knight sacrifice on f5. I believe my opponent additionally performed very properly. I believe he had an opportunity to play 27…g5, and after that his recreation is sweet. However after he did not play …g5, I performed properly and received simply.
SS: In the identical match, Jakhongir additionally beat Hovhannisyan. I believe the opening did not go so properly for you?
On this place, your opponent performed Bc4, however he may’ve simply taken a pawn with Rxd6.
JV: Yeah, I used to be actually stunned by that. I believed he can seize the pawn, and I can run and rapidly come again. Once I got here again to the board, the pawn was nonetheless sitting on d6! [chuckles].
Uzbekistan-Armenia was a vital match to determine the standings | Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
19.Bc4 was a really formidable transfer, however I perceive as a result of his teammate Ter-Sahakhyan had a little bit bit worse place. He needed to win, and perhaps he thought Rxd6 will give a symmetrical place, his recreation will finish in a draw and Armenia will lose. After the closing ceremony, I used to be discussing this recreation with him.
On this place, he stated he missed 24…Ne7 25.f6 Ng8. He calculated 24…Ke7 25. f6 and white is best. However I used to be fortunate to have Ne7, which I calculated beforehand. From the opening, I believe he obtained a very good benefit as a result of within the recreation there was 13.c3 as an alternative of a3. In some way he determined to sacrifice a pawn, which I used to be actually proud of. However I additionally blundered and misplaced my benefit, perhaps on account of time stress, or perhaps I believed my teammates had good positions. The rook ending was equal, however he had an opportunity to place me below stress. However he was additionally below stress, as he wanted to win and a draw was okay for me. In this recreation, I believe the luck was there for me.
SS: And then got here the India 2 match [everyone smiles].
JV: This was one of many hardest matches we’ve got ever confronted.
Adhiban watches the sport Pragg vs Sindarov within the essential India 2- Uzbekistan match | Photograph: FIDE/Stev Bonhage
SS: One of the vital dramatic matches of the Olympiad. You guys have been virtually losing- Abdusattorov, it’s a must to inform us what stored you so impressed since you have been completely misplaced towards Gukesh!
Although Abdusattorov had a misplaced place, he stored making an attempt to create counterplay | Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
NA: In some unspecified time in the future, I felt like I ought to resign . However it is a Staff occasion, and I’ve to strive to maintain the sport going.
Right here I used to be a little bit stunned by 42.Kd1, as a result of he is permitting me to coordinate my items with 42…Qd8+ and 43…Bc8. After 44.Ne4 it is nonetheless okay for white, however a minimum of my bishop will get the f5 sq., and I believed I had good drawing possibilities.
When he missed this 46.Nc5 Qa3+ 47. Kb1 g6 concept, I felt it is already equal. Then in some unspecified time in the future I felt he’ll push exhausting, and I’ll get my likelihood.
SS: You made all of the correct strikes!
NA: Sure, I’ve to, as a result of that was my solely likelihood to save lots of the sport [smiles].
SS: When Gukesh performed Nf3 and also you performed Qb7+ , how did you are feeling?
Moments after the fateful blunder | Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
NA: Okay, I used to be very joyful, however it is rather unhappy successful these sort of video games. I felt very unhappy for him, however it occurs.
SS: Have been you guys impressed with Gukesh’s general efficiency within the match?
JV: Gukesh performs so properly! Earlier than the match, we stated to Abdusattorov perhaps you need to make a draw [laughs]. He is all the time taking part in for a win, would not matter who he is taking part in towards, we noticed his win towards Caruana.
Gukesh defeated Caruana in Spherical 8, making an ideal 8 | Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
I believe Gukesh shall be one of many subsequent Carlsen, you already know, a famous person. His efficiency in Biel and right here was so superb. And never solely him, quite a lot of the children from India B like Nihal, Praggnanandhaa, and Raunak are additionally taking part in very well.
A stunning group picture of the India 2 squad | Photograph: FIDE/Stev Bonhage
We have been additionally below a little bit little bit of stress as a result of India B had nice tiebreaks, they received quite a lot of matches 4-0. They have been one of many hardest opponents for us. Additionally, Praggnanandhaa and Sindarov have performed like one million instances earlier than, so it was like an El classico for them [smiles].
Praggnanandhaa demonstrated his superb endgame abilities, successful a really troublesome Rook vs Bishop ending | Photograph: Aditya Sur Roy
Pragg demonstrated his skill, and he performed so properly. The entire group’s efficiency was actually superb. Due to the luck yesterday, I believe right now we’re the Champions.
SS: Within the final spherical, it was not luck! Jakhongir, you beat Warmerdam and scored the decisive victory for the group.
Vakhidov scored the crucial victory for the group, which led them to win the Gold medal | Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
On this place, do you suppose that 14.Qa4 was a mistake by him, like he may comeback with Be2 within the opening?
JV: Yeah, after I performed 13…Na5, 14.Qa4 simply offers me the bishop pair benefit and my place is sweet. I can play for 2 outcomes there. Earlier than the match, we mentioned about his taking part in type and most of our gamers had already performed towards him earlier than. Thanks to my group mates for serving to me with that!
I have never checked with the engine but, however in my opinion 13.d5 was a mistake within the opening, from a human perspective.
The coach of the group, GM Ivan Sokolov congratulates Vakhidov after his win | Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
I performed in 2017 Aeroflot Open towards GM Ilya Smirin, and I used the reminiscence of that recreation from 5 years in the past on this recreation.
SS: So guys, what does this Gold medal imply to you?
The pack of younger lions who took down everybody, stand proud with the trophy | Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
I keep in mind when Abdusattorov received the World Fast 2021, he was felicitated by the Uzbek President, and he obtained a flat. What do you suppose will occur after this?
Nodirbek Abdusattorov receives a state medal from Presidential advisor Abdujabbor Abduvakhidov | Photograph: Nationwide Olympic Committee Uzbekistan
JV: At the moment within the afternoon, our President referred to as us on-line, and it was broadcasted on the TV. He congratulated us on our victory.
The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev | Supply: Wikipedia
Additionally, we’re very joyful that the 2026 Olympiad is occurring in our nation. For our victory, one other trophy is ready in our nation [smiles]. It was historic taking the Gold medal, as a result of in 1992 we took the silver medal- after our first yr of Independence. My father was a coach on the time, and all of his associates, identical to us, performed so properly and took the Silver medal in Manilla, Philippines. After 30 years, we took the Gold medal right here!
The successful group after their arrival in Tashkent | Photograph: Eurasianet
One of many causes we turned the Champions is assist from the Authorities. They’ve actually helped to popularize chess and make the skilled chess gamers higher and stronger.
SS: Implausible! Are you guys learning proper now, or how is it?
Javokhir is the oldest within the group – he is 27. The youngest among the many Staff is Sindarov, solely 15. The common age of the group is simply 20 | Photograph: FIDE/Stev Bonhage
JS: I am 16, and learning in class at the moment.
NY: I am 20, and at the moment learning in College.
NA: I am 17, I simply graduated faculty.
SV: I am 20 and learning in College proper now.
SS: So, all of you wish to do one thing in chess?
[everyone in unison] In fact.
Although they’re younger, all the group members are already world-class Grandmasters and have the abilities to defeat the finest on the planet | Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
JV: As a result of we’ve got devoted our life for chess from the start. That is the fruit of our work, perhaps round 30,000 or extra hours of work.
SS: Do you suppose identical to in India, there may be Vishy Anand and now the younger skills are developing, in the identical approach there is a big chess increase in your nation ?
JV: Sure. Really, when in 2018 we took the Gold medal in World Youth, it had a huge effect.
The highest-seeded group by common Elo was the group of Uzbekistan by a large margin — the younger Uzbeks got here to the 2018 world youth with 4 gamers rated over 2500 | Photograph: FIDE
It truly began again in 2004 when Rustam Kasimdzhanov received the FIDE World Championship.
GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov defeated GM Michael Adams in 2004 to grow to be the world champion
In 2021, quite a lot of worldwide tournaments began being organized in our nation. Lots of sturdy gamers have been coming and we have been gaining expertise by dealing with them. And final however not least, Abdusattorov turned the World speedy champion , this was a giant chess increase [smiles].
After changing into the World Fast champion in 2021, Abdusattorov was celebrated by a whole bunch of individuals within the streets of Tashkent | Photograph: Nationwide Olympic Committee Uzbekistan
Now, we hope that this Olympiad Gold medal brings in a brand new era of chess gamers and popularizes chess in our nation.
SS: Do you guys all work collectively?
JV: As teammates. we’re after all discussing and sharing. However we’re additionally aggressive as a result of we’re preventing for the highest spot in our nation. We’re very shut associates, and supportive to one another.
Vakhidov and Sindarov helped Abdusattorov together with his preparation within the World speedy championship 2021 | Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
SS: What would you say concerning the position of Ivan Sokolov because the coach of the group?
JV: He has been actually nice not solely together with his chess abilities, but in addition together with his psychological help. He was very assured and as you already know, he additionally coached Iran and they turned the Asian champions. He has received video games towards Kasparov and Anand, he has chess expertise from the final century and this century! We have been very fortunate to have him right here as our captain.
Ivan Sokolov congratulates Abdusattorov after a nerve-wracking victory towards Gukesh | Photograph: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
SS: How did you guys take pleasure in India?
NA: The organizers gave us this superb resort, and we actually loved the resort. All of us actually loved our keep!
JV: One other attention-grabbing reality is – Armenia additionally stayed in the identical resort, they usually additionally carried out so properly! That is my second time in Chennai, the primary time I visited was the Chennai Open 2012. In 10 years, the entire place has modified! What I like about India is the persons are so good, form and pleasant. Once they’re speaking to me, they’re like my brother [laughs]. The Asian Continentals shall be held in Delhi in October, so we hope to be again in India.
The group and the curiosity over chess in Chennai was merely mind-blowing!
SS: Did you benefit from the meals?
JV: Within the first two days, the organizers have been serving to us adapt. From day 3 and 4, we began to perceive extra concerning the Indian tradition. The meals may be very spicy! Everybody has their very own expertise, however I preferred it very a lot.
JS: I preferred the particular desserts, pineapple and mango [chuckles].
Take a look at the atmosphere, the variability within the menu and the standard of the meals!
NY: I loved the Dragon fruit very a lot!
NA: I preferred the Chapati’s very a lot.
JV: There was rooster and cheese curry which I preferred very a lot. The resort right here is so superb, there was the swimming pool, Soccer floor, Desk tennis. The circumstances have been very good, and the match halls have been excellent!
An entire tour of the 4 Factors Sheraton Lodge in Mahabalipuram, the venue of the forty fourth Chess Olympiad
We’re so joyful that our sports activities turned so popular- not solely in our nation, but in addition in the entire world, particularly India. We’re proud that we’re chess gamers! Thanks very a lot to the Organizers, the All India chess Federation, additionally particularly to you for spreading chess over the web, that is so nice! Thanks Mr. Sagar Shah.
SS: Thanks very a lot. You’re like the large brother of the Staff! [everyone laughs]. All of you guys are stars, and you’ve got achieved one thing actually superb. To win a match with such sturdy opponents like USA, Azerbaijan, Armenia, India is very particular. Enormous congratulations to all of you, the world shall be following every and everybody of you.
Staff Uzbekistan: Thank you a lot!
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