Dronavalli: I was just keeping some traps

Dronavalli: I was just keeping some traps

The Indian grandmaster shared her impressions about her spectacular game with Zhao Xue.

-Harika, please tell us about this game. How did you manage to survive?

– In the opening I was just better and had initiative at some point. After 16. Ra3 Qa5 I don’t know whether it was just slightly or much better for White. But then I started thinking, I felt I couldn’t calculate anymore and started to play very badly. And then I got a minus, lost position. Finally I was just keeping some traps and I got the chance to give perpetual check. I think practically my position was lost at any moment, for example after 66…Qe6. I don’t know whether I have to say that I’m lucky or unlucky today. Tomorrow I want to play my best in the tie-break.

– In your opinion, how could you reinforce White’s position after the opening?

– Maybe I should play 17. Rg3 instead of 17. Rb3, it could be just better. But I couldn’t find anything after 17… Nxe4. Maybe I was calculating wrong. I think I missed this chance. But taking into account the position I’ve got after it I’m happy with my result today.

– Will you analyze this game today or after the tie-break?

– I’m very curious about this position, about what I missed, that’s why I’m going to see it today. I think I missed something very big.

– Have you played Saemisch system before, or was it a part of your special preparation?

– No, actually I played it long time ago. But still I surprised her because for the last 4-5 years I haven’t played it.

Source: http://chess2012.ugrasport.com