Interviewed by Petr Marusenko for ukrinform.ua, Russian-born Dutch Grandmaster Gennadi Borisovich Sosonko discussed most of the questions which will be likely addressed in the next FIDE Congress in Baku, Azerbaijan, including the Women’s World Chess Championship lottery system. Here is a (very free) translation of his opinion about this issue:
— A few words about women’s chess: your opinion about the match Muzychuk vs. 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán).
— As I’ve said earlier, 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) was the clear favourite, ’cause to the world’s eyes she was the “true” World Champion, although Mariya Olehivna Muzychuk officially held the title. And indeed nothing unexpected or sensational happened. And even when the next Women’s World Chess Championship Knockout Tournament — which 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) has already rejected — will crown a new World Champion, Maryia herself or her sister or any other player, it will not matter. Anyway, to the chess world’s eyes the Queen will be 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán), due to her gifts and her strength of play. I think the actual Women’s World Chess Championship system is wrong. — It’s all a lottery... 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) has proposed to change the system... — Yes, it was not even considered. — No one thought Judit Polgár as Women’s World Chess Champion... — But everyone knew how strong she was... I’d spot a difference. At the time Judit had a superior position to that of 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) today. She was Hungarian and was included in the top 10 world’s strongest player. 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) is Chinese... and, besides that, there is another difference. Whereas Judit represented herself, 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) willingly or unwillingly represents China. And where and if the stakes is high, you can be sure that they’re gonna be there and will say: “Come on, 小猴 (Xiǎo Hóu), be kind and play”; in such cases, I could not exclude that she’s gonna play. “Well, another win”. However, it doesn’t exclude that each of her statements is a faithful reflex of the higher echelons of power’s dictate. — Most likely... — We had to wait for the next FIDE Congress in Baku. Since it’s not clear who effectively is the President of FIDE, the question will be likely solved in Baku. Very much depends on the solution of that issue. Let’s imagine another orchestra conductor, and maybe we’ll listen to other voices and to another “violin”. — What are your predictions for the chess Olympiads which will be held at September in Azerbaijan? — I favour Russia. China and Ukraine could also win, if they have good luck. And we cannot forget the United States. Rather, I doubt that Armenia will ever go to Baku. The political situation is dramatic, with too many deaths on both sides. I wonder if Armenia will go. |
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