Q&A with GM Nisipeanu who will be in Sofia for the 2007 Mtel Master. GM Nisipeanu is a former European Champion and a former member of the 2700 club. I met him not long ago in Budapest, Hungary when he visiting the city. This interview is done by the Mtel folks:
– Have you been in Bulgaria before?
– I have been in Bulgaria in 1989 first time and I liked it a lot. I also traveled trough Bulgaria several times.
– You will be playing at M-Tel Masters for the first time – what are your expectations and what is your opinion about the tournament generally?
– I hope to show some high quality chess against the top opposition in the tournament. I am glad a Grand Slam tournament exists in a Eastern Europe country and for all I have heard, the organisation is flawless.
– What is your view about the “Sofia rules” that do not allow the players to agree a draw themselves?
– I think that “Sofia Rules” is a good idea for the top tournaments, but in open torunaments maybe it should be allowed to offer a draw after move 40.
– How popular is chess in your country?
– Chess is quite popular to the people, but not very popular to the media.
– Did your life change a lot after becoming European chess champion?
– My life didn’t change that much, but I have to admit that the tournament conditions and invitations improved somewhat. Also, I didn’t really know how many chess fans where in Romania up to that point.
– Can a man and a woman be friends?
– Yes.
You can read the full interview here.
He’s a very strong player.
i didn’t knew that he loves snooker 🙂
“Can a man and woman be friends?” What in the world ?? Is this some strange When Harry Met Sally reference that doesn’t come across in the translation?