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6th round press conference |
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Monday, 03 May 2010 |
 - The first question is going to be a traditional one. How was your game today, can you summarize it?
Koneru Humpy: - The position reminded me of the French defense. The bishop was moved to h7, but probably it should have been moved to e6. At some point she made the wrong move, and I gained the advantage of two bishops in the end-game.We both had time trouble but eventually I won the game.
Hou Yifan: - In the opening the position was rather unclear. She possessed an initiative on the queen’s flank while I tried to attack the king. In the middle of the game there was pretty much equal play but she made a mistake by going 19.Nd2 which instantly gave me a huge advantage.
- Which of the two systems do you prefer: the round robin or the knockout system?
Koneru Humpy: - I think it mainly depends on the mood, but it’s clear that the round robin system out involves having to play against much stronger opponents.
Hou Yifan: - Both the knockout and the round robin are good for me.
- Which of the tournaments held in Nalchik do you like more – the
world championship of 2008 or this leg of Grand Prix?
Humpy Koneru: - As far as I’m concerned, the world championship was
better. I’m not in good shape here at this tournament but, if you think
about it, it is more challenging and more intense.
Hou Yifan: - I had a wealth of experience at the world championship,
but this current one demands more responsibility. Anyway, both of the
tournaments are important and interesting for me.
- Humpy, you didn’t have a very good start. Did you use the day
off yesterday to muster your strength?
Humpy Koneru: - Yes, the beginning wasn’t good, and I was disappointed
by the game with Zhu Chen. That’s why I decided not to go anywhere. But
now I hope to be back to the front.
- We often see Humpy with her father and Yifan with her mom.
Please, tell us about your parents.
Humpy Koneru: - My mother isn’t a professional player. But she knows the
moves and currently she is a housewife, she supports and encourages me
constantly. The whole of my family is interested in sports activities.
My sister also used to play chess: she gained the second category but
then gave it up.
My mother used to accompany me several times, but now my father does it.
Hou Yifan: - My mother plays, but not professionally, and father can’t
accompany me because of work, that’s why sometimes my mother does it.
- What do you think about the new World chess championship system?
Humpy Koneru: - I think it was easier to win the knock-out World
championship, as one tournament can bring you victory, and now you have
to play in series of games, that’s why it is more difficult and you gain
more fans.
Hou Yifan: - I think it’s a good idea. Now more players can fight for
the world champion title.
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