whiteshark: Interview with Anna Kantane
Last but not least, the only woman on board of our ship, let's hope she won't bring us bad luck. She is young and talented WIM from Poland <currently living in Riga>, actively learning secrets of being Riga Magician. Don't let her rating fool you as she can put up a fight with anyone which she very often proves by beating Grandmaster after Grandmaster. Let's see Anna's answers:
<1) How long do you play chess and what could you tell about yourself shortly as a chessplayer?>
I started playing at the age of 5, because of my brother, who was attending a chess group. I really loved the whole atmosphere, it was a lot of fun with other kids and the coach we had was amazing, one can show you the charm of the game. I wasn't interested in tournaments though, when my dad took me to my 1st tournament I refused to play and he had to promise me a doll (I've already known how to deal with people!) so that I'd participate. I won the tournament, but actually - I've never gotten this doll!
<2) How do you see yourself in 5 years?>
I would like to be an IM with rating over 2400. Preferably living in a big house with a pool and a sauna 🙂
<3) Do you have a player who has always been your favourite and/or has inspired you?>
Without doubts it was Paul Morphy, I studied all his games when I was 8. As a little girl I loved all the sacrifices, attacks and learnt a lot about initiative and passion to the game.
<4) How many hours/minutes per day do you devote for chess on a daily basis? Participation in tournaments doesn't count!>
It very much depends on a current situation, but more or less 3h.
<5) Name your three best and worst characteristics!>
Best: honest, spontaneous, positive.
Worst: emotional, stubborn, disorganized.
<6) Former World Champion Bobby Fischer once said that chess is life. What do you think?>
Chess has created my life in a way and it still has a huge impact of course, but there is much more.
<7) Could you win Magnus Carlsen in a match with a pawn handicap in every game?>
No. It would probably just help him, one more open file to crush me 😉
<8) What future do you see for online chess?>
It's going to be more and more significant part of chess in general. I think it's important for advertising and showing that chess is a very interesting game. Hopefully it won't take over the actual chess too much though.
<9) What's the last book you have read which is not about chess?>
I read a book of Dr. W. Davis "Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health", because of my health problems, but I must say, I'm not a big fan.
<10) And finally, what do you expect from the Pro Chess League?>
Some fun!
http://chessnews.lv/interview-with-... by ARTURS NEIKŠĀNS, JANUARY 10, 2017
Kibitzing
