Monday, July 10, 2023

In Search of Equilibrium

In an interview with Milan Dinić for the FIDE web site while she was still in Dubai, four-time Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) hardly ventured a prediction on the final outcome of the Women’s World Chess Championship match between 居文君 (Jū Wénjūn) and 雷挺婕 (Léi Tǐngjié). “It’s hard to say what will happen. 居 (Jū) is experienced and won the title before, 雷 (Léi) is young, and maybe she is more motivated. It will depend on their prep and how they build their shape up”, she said. When asked whether it is easier to defend or to claim the crown, she said that it was the same for her, for, after all, the key to success lies in balancing motivation and skill: “If you lack motivation, you just enjoy yourself, but that has its drawbacks. To have motivation but lack experience — it reminds me of Firouzja in the [2022] Candidates; he didn’t do well, but he tried hard. There should be a balance. The players will find the most suitable path for themselves. It’s not the same for everyone. You should see what makes you feel more ready”, 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) said.

“Even though the titles are both in China, I wouldn’t say China is dominating the chess world. In the open section, Magnus decided not to compete, but personally, I think he is the strongest”, 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) said, perhaps thinking of herself as well. “To win a title does not equal dominance”. Photo: Anna Shtourman/FIDE.

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