Today Maya Chiburdanidze is a symbol of charm, intellect, quick mind and talent – everything that characterizes modern women chess. That’s why she is a real decoration of every tournament.

- Maya, please tell us about yourself, what are you doing now? Why do you perform so rarely?
MC: Because I have many other interests but for chess. Chess is my hobby though the most serious one. In fact I’ve been thinking of leaving sports. But I still can’t do it , you see (laughing).

- The last remark will probably comfort your numerous fans. Why are you thinking of leaving?
MC: I’ve been playing chess for 35 years now. What thoughts can occur after such a period? I’m just tired and want to have a rest. But of course I am not serious about leaving. Maybe for some period but not for a long time.

- Please share your impressions of the Championship.
MC: Well, I feel to have played four tournaments instead of four rounds. It is very difficult psychologically and physically as well. And all the participants feel in that way. Of course it’s easier to stand such a tempo when you are young. I think it would be wiser to apply the system of Men Championships: to hold preliminaries and then championships. It is also necessary to have separate days for tie-breaks.

- That’s what they are planning to do at the next Championship. Are you going to take part in it?
MC: Do you want to see me playing up to 60? (laughing). Maybe I will.

-How did you like playing here?
MC: Well, in fact I was planning just to reach round 2 and easily leave. But it didn’t happen… (Maya is a very easy-going person but sometimes it’s quite difficult to differentiate if she is joking or not at the moment – from editors) – My first opponent was a very talented young player Ingris Rivera of Columbia. She will gain some experience and become a brilliant player. In round 2 I met my compatriot Arakhamia – Grant. It’s seven years now since we last played. My third opponent was a very persistent Chinese Ju Wenjun. I had a feeling that she was improving in the playing process. We played 2 games with regular time-control followed by rapid and blitz and she was progressing with every passing game. It’s wonderful to be so quick at studying!

- How did you prepare yourself for the Championship? Is preparation that necessary?
MC: I think so. Because it was not me to win. I haven’t been playing chess for half a year. My preparation lasted a fortnight. Oh no, even 10 days before the Championship when we sat at the chessboard with my coach and just moved figures… and that’s all!

- Well, we can only guess the results of a month training…
MC: Maybe I should have kept on training, to improve tactics…. Well, what’s done can’t be undone!

- Did you have some definite goal to reach at this Championship? For instance, to go through round 4 or 5…
MC: No, I had none. I intended to go through the 1st round and that’s all. I was just lucky to do more.

- Are you dodging?
MC: Not at all! I had a wonderful opportunity to take part in this tournament, to meet my friends, to visit the Urals land. These kind people here receive us in such a warm way that you even forget about chess! (laughing)

- Are you going to take part in the Olympiad, the European Championship?
MC: I am bored with constant playing. I like to have a break and then…to make a new breakthrough – just start chess again no matter winning or losing. As for the Olympiad and the European Championship, everything depends on our Chess Federation. If they support me I’ll do it.

- Young players manage to regain strength quicker. But how can you explain the fact that semi-finalists’ list includes mainly solid, experienced players?
MC: I have no idea. But I think the nearest two years will see age changes in the list of top players. Young will be on the top, I think. Nowadays, you can’t but use many opportunities in studying and training chess. Computer, for instance. I am not an experienced user. But I’ve already estimated all the miracles it performs.

- Do you have favorites among young players?
MC: I can’t single out someone in particular. I don’t follow the current chess situation, you know.

- Judging by your performance here you were likely to win…
MC: Yes, but I just didn’t strive.

-Maya, you know a lot about chess history, its development. Can you predict the nearest future of chess?
MC: You are right, chess has changed a lot. I think it will be absolutely different in a couple of years. Mainly because of computers which take a significant part in our life and in chess as well. They modify the game in a very great extent, give more technical opportunities. By the way, I’ve tried it myself and it’s very interesting. Such moves and variations couldn’t even occur to you.

- Is computer important in your life?
MC: Even at my age I managed to study it. I’ve used it for half a year now.

- It means that you didn’t use computer preparing for the last championship?
MC: You know, small papers and notebooks are more convenient for me. Despite all the opportunities of computers it can’t substitute people, real communication.

- Maya, what do you think of situation in Georgia? Does it create some difficulties?
MC: It affects me in no way. I have different values –they are not material and don’t depend on time or place. That’s why I feel at ease anywhere. Though the situation is not an easy one. I’d like our people enjoy life in the country without being afraid of government’s decisions. We should pray especially for the restoration of good relations between our countries. It will never do that our nations live as enemies. We must be sensible not to put God into rage.

- We believe that Maya’s regular visits to Russia will help to restore these relations. You are a symbol of unity for both of our nations and we love you so.
MC: Thanks a lot. I feel it: people support me here. They come just to talk, to shout for me and I am so grateful to them. I really love Russia and take it as my home. And the Urals is a special place for me.

- Does it mean that you will take part in the forthcoming “North Urals Cup”?
MC: For sure. I will definitely arrive.

- What do you think of Topalov? Is he the World Champion?
MC: I think so. He has won the World Championship in Saint-Luis. It is worth much.

- What match was more interesting for you: Topalov-Kramnik or Topalov-Annand?
MC: Can it three of them playing at a time ? (laughing). Everything is good in its season and every match as well.