In Candidates tournament main struggle will go between Carlsen and Aronian: S. Lputyan

YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENRPESS. Armenia is a chess superpower and does not cease to astonish the world with its talents. The establishment of chess academy, studying chess as a subject in schools, as well as gifted Armenian chess players playing abroad are those steadfast proves, which certify that there is a strong chess foundation Armenia. The Deputy Chairman of the Armenian Chess Federation, Director of the Chess Academy Smbat Lputyan shared his views on the future of the Armenian chess, Candidates tournament, and his wishes in an interview with "Armenpress".

- What are Your expectations from London?

- No doubt all the 8 chess players are renowned and very strong Grand Masters. Anyway, Magnus Carlsen stands out from the rest. He is very confident due to his victories during the recent years. And because of these his opponents appear in an awkward situation. To my opinion the main struggle will flare up between Carlsen and Levon. It's not me alone who thinks so, but many other representatives of the chess world as well. The other participants may also show successful performance, but I think that the main candidates are Carlsen and Levon. Levon got ready for the tournament very seriously and in my opinion he will spare no effort to have success in London.

- You are at the helm of the Chess Academy since its foundation in 2002. Do You see future Tigran Petrosyans among Your students?

- Generally, a number of qualities and character traits are necessary to become a champion. But besides this, success in sports and in life largely depends upon the environment you live in during that period. There are gifted chess players, but the courses of their lives do not pass so that they could discover and make use of their entire potential. We have good kids, but it’s difficult to say whether they can become champions or not. But the mere fact that we have very gifted kids is very cheerful.

- Are You fond of any other sport besides chess?

- I am fond of sports in general. I am fond of all the sports. I like to play various games, but I prefer football most of all. I enjoy that game greatly.

- How does chess player Lputyan spend his leisure?

- Frankly speaking my leisure is very limited. Frequently You are not the one to manage your time. But generally I like to spend my leisure at home or with my friends. (THE FULL VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)

Interview by Varvara Hayrapetyan

Photos by Samvel Berkibekyan