Varuzhan AKOBIAN: “GOOD THAT I GO TO FITNESS CLUB”

Interview with Akobian provided by the World Cup organizer
http://www.ugra-chess.ru/eng/interv_11.htm

Varuzhan Akobian of the USA became a hero of the Round 1. He won Pavel Tregubov in the tie breaks 9:7.

• Did you expect such an epic tie break and that you would have a hockey score at the end?

• How could one expect this? Of course, the tie breaks were very tough for me, as well as for my opponent. In classical round I won one game, and easily. The second game was also not bad. Well, I got worse end game, but I was sure I could manage a draw. But I blundered at one point and the tie break history began. I had to balance and catch up all four games, two times with black. But what is strange: I always knew that all will be alright. I think by the end of the day I was luckier because of my physical shape. I do a lot of physical trainings lately. Even here, in Khanty, I don’t miss my trainings, I work out, I swim, I go to sauna and only then I come to play. Obviously I was in a bit better sporty shape.

• As famous proverb says Mens Sana in Corpora Sano?

• Exactly. In principle, an answer to a question if chess is sport is very clear for me. Of course yes! Professional chess players are always under stress. Without good sporty shape you will not survive.

• How good are you in fitness? How much do you weight lift?

• About 100 kg .

• Did you have a headache in the next morning after tie breaks?

• No, but of course I was slow to grasp. Besides I did not sleep almost at all. I went to bed at about 3, had a lot of emotions and thoughts. And I woke up at already 7. I started to prepare to Ponomariov. I was lucky that was playing white. In such a condition, it is better to be on a save side.

• Chess players have different opinions about the new time control of tie breaks: 4 rapid and 10 blitz games. What is your opinion?

• The new system is correct and fair. Yes, I had a tough time in the Round 1. But it does not mean that I will have it again. The new system has a big advantage: the sudden death is hardly to happen. And from my experience in World Cup 2008 I personally know how pity and unfair it is to lose in Armageddon.

• Your name is not very familiar to the chess fans. How happened that you, born in Armenia, represent the States?

• My family moved to the States for permanent residence in 2001. Since then I live there and train students in LA. At one point I got an invitation to represent their team and already played in two Olympiads.

• Are they interested in chess in the USA?

• The interest is relatively quiet, let’s say. The fact that we brought bronze was not even noticed.