Three matches – three draws

The first result of the competition Day 1 brought a draw, concluded between Viktorija Cmilyte (LTU) and Katerina Lahno (UKR).

“It often happens, that in case the white don't make the right move in the right time, the black level the balance, keeping from mistakes. This held true for todays’ match”, - commented on the draw the white pieces side master Victorija Cmilyte.

“We very often play against each other and we know our opponents pretty well, - responded Katerina Lahno. – Therefore I didn’t spend very much time on preparations towards the present game, I needed rest. The matter is, I have just returned from Batumi (Georgia), where I played Rapid and Blitz Championships, and now I have got the need to have a breath to recharge my batteries”.

Journalists inquired if Caterina’s husband, French famous grandmaster Robert Fontaine, assists her in her preparations towards the tournaments.

“As a matter of fact, he has already quitted his chess career and switched to chess journalism, - Mrs.Lahno answered with a smile. – He can give me his advices, and it’s up to me if I listen to them or not. I have got two coaches to train me before the games”.

The second match turned to be the second draw of the day. Elina Danielian (ARM) shared points with Anna Muzychuk (SLO).

“It can make one nervous to look for ways out of the complicated situations on the board., - confessed Anna Muzychuk. – However, one is trying his best to find variants, which is pretty easier to do outside the battle field”.

“The first game is always difficult to play, - said Elina Danieljan. – The responsibility for the good start is like a burden. Therefor I’m trying to think of nothing but of the match in place”.

The third draw was made by the Asian Continent representatives Humpy Koneru (IND) and Hou Yifan (CHN).

“The composition of the tournament is pretty strong, - said Humpy Koneru after the game, - We will soon play each other, and that’s why we are supposed to take different tactics from what we usually have playing separate games with the same opponents”.

Both played a number of tournaments before the trip to Kazan. Koneru competed in Batumi at the Rapid Chess and Blitz Championships, Hou Yifan tried her luck at the men’s tournament in China.

 «The schedule is OK, - commented Humpy Koneru, - For me it was pretty enough to have a couple of days-off”.

“It is more difficult to change climate zones and weather conditions, chess schedule and the shift from rapid to classic chess is not so crucial, - Hou Yifan agreed with her colleague”.