Viktor Laznicka hopes for stronger round-robin events in India
Rakesh Rao
Reigning World Open champion Viktor Laznicka feels “it is a pity that there are not many strong round-robin tournaments in India” and hopes that the situation might “change in the near future.”
With the change of guard taking place in the All India Chess Federation (AICF), Laznicka’s hopes of returning to India for strong all-play-all events may well be justified in times to come.
The Czech Grandmaster, seeded second in the premier six-player AAI International Grandmasters chess tournament that opens here on June 22, is among the favourites for the title in the highest rated double-round robin event ever in the country.
Rated 2681 and ranked 56th in the world, Laznicka claimed the 2008 Kolkata International Open title after being tied with K. Sasikiran. The following year, however, he fell short of defending the title.
Looking ahead to the field that includes top seeded Italian Fabiano Caruana, Sasikiran, So Wesley, Parimarjan Negi and women’s World champion Hou Yifan, the affable 23-year-old said, “Quite an interesting choice (of players). I suppose it will be a very fighting event.
“Double round-robin format is more justified and you cannot simply complain about the drawing of lots (used to determine the sequence and schedule of the games).”
He thought it was “a great idea” to get some of the leading teen sensations in the game for the event. “It provides an opportunity to the young guys to promote themselves and guarantee courageous chess with some fierce combat (in the 10-round event).
There will be tough battles. The young and ambitious players would like to show their best. It promises to be a great experience for all.”
Talking about the young field, where Sasikiran, 30, is the oldest contender, and the emergence of youth power in the game, Laznicka says, “Youngsters are skilful in working with computers unlike older players. This is the main difference. With the help of computers these days, the players can make progress more rapidly.”
Lasnicka is of the view that Sasikiran and Parimarjan may not have any “home advantage” in the event. On the contrary, he felt it could even prove to be a “disadvantage” for the Indian challengers due to the pressure of expectations.
In fact, Sasikiran and Parimarjan are seeded third and sixth. Asked to pick a favourite for the title, Laznicka said, “hard to say, anyone can win this event. I do not dare to estimate my own chances.”
Source: http://www.thehindu.com
Who’s the favorite?