The Georgian Nino Khurtsize being managed to pass 3 previous rounds of the Championship fell a victim to her own fault in the quarterfinal match against Alisa Galliamova and surrendered. Charming Nino, even being tired after an intense game, agreed to take part in our traditional press - conference and answer the questions of journalists and fans.

- Nino, please tell us about yourself: where did you study and when did you take up chess?
NK: My story is a typical one: I took up chess being a young girl. At 7 I took part in my first tournament. My father was my first coach.

-What do you think of Yekaterinburg?
NK: I really like it. I didn’t have time to visit many places. But the city is really impressive and beautiful. I am very grateful to kind people here who receive us in a very warm way. I appreciate of our fans’ attitude as well. Judging by active and enthusiastic audience chess is very popular in Yekaterinburg.

- Could you please share your impressions of the Championship, your performance here?
NK: The 1st round was a difficult one. I should say that I am not that enthusiastic about knock – outs. The only committed foul can be disastrous. Of course it affects the players in a negative way. It’s very difficult to play and especially to win in such an intense psychological climate. And the elimination of top seeds at the very beginning of the Championship proves this fact. First rounds though with tie-breaks were successful for me. In round 3 I enjoyed playing against a young Chinese Hou Yifan but the battle against Alisa Galliamova wasn’t an easy one.

- What do you think of the Chinese girl? They say that it’s a real breakthrough…
NK: She is a very talented girl. I think she will achieve great progress in chess. Even being a child she has a way of thinking similar to that of a grown-up. And what is more Yifan possesses restraint which is necessary to achieve such brilliant results. Yes, it’s a real breakthrough for her age.

- Do you think that her real rating is higher than that ofpublished one?
NK: For sure. She is just too young but soon she’ll manage to fully show her abilities. The main thing is to follow this direction.

- How can you explain the elimination of most all the young players after 4 rounds?
NK: I have no idea. It’s quite difficult to judge if it’s happened by chance or by some objective reasons. The playing system is very tough and much depends on the player’s condition. It’s a great advantage when you are in good physical and psychological condition.

- What qualities are necessary for a chess player to take part in such tournaments?
NK: A very good nervous system and restraint. You should possess great strength.

-How did you prepare yourself for this Championship?
NK: I can’t say that I’ve prepared in a proper way - just lack of time. That’s why I didn’t perform any new results. I had the same achievement at the previous edition of the Championship two years ago.

- Two representatives of Georgia managed to reach the quarterfinals. What are the perspectives of chess development in your country?
NK: I should say that unfortunately the current situation in the country affects sports development in a very negative way. Chess which has been cultivated thanks to Maya Chiburdanidze and Nona Gaprindashvily is in stagnation now. Chess requires conditions. No conditions – no progress. Everything is in vain without support.

- Who helps you at the Championship?
NK: Georgiy Kacheishvily and Elgudzha Phakadze – my uncle and devoted coach since I was 7.

-What do you think, who of the remaining four participants is likely to become a Champion?
NK: Only strong players are left that’s why it’s difficult to predict something. It’s obvious that I support Maya Chiburdanidze as a person and my compatriot.

- Have you ever met Maya at friendly tournaments?
NK: No, never. I am just very glad that I have such a person as Maya in my life. She is wonderful. You feel at ease by her and thoughts of games even don’t appear in such moments.

- Despite economical problems there have recently appeared many talented Georgian players. Maybe the development of Georgian chess has already started?
NK: I hope so. There have always been a lot of talents in Georgia and not only in chess. I hope we’ll manage to cope with all our domestic and foreign political problems and to restore interest in sports, culture…

- What are your short – range plans?
NK: I hope to perform at the forthcoming Olympiad and the European Championship. I’ve got offers to play at different club tournaments. But I already play for the Armenian club “Mika”.

-What are your interests but for chess?
NK: Reading. Mainly detective stories. I enjoy Russian classical literature. I go in for tennis. I really like it but less than chess.