Aronian – favorite of Candidates’ Tournament: Sergey Karjakin

YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS: The specialists separate Levon Aronian as the favorite of the World Chess Championship Candidates’ Tournament. Though Vladimir Kramnik and Sergey Karjakin as well could have an impact on the process of the Tournament. A day before the launch of the Candidates’ Tournament Armenpress had a talk with Sergey Karjakin.

- What expectations do you have from the Candidates’ Tournament?

- Naturally, I would like to win. Though I am certain that the struggle will be dreadful and even more interesting than the one in London a year ago. Let the strongest win the opportunity to face Magnus Carlsen. I will do my best to get the chance to compete with Carlsen. And that, certainly, will be very difficult.

- Levon Aronian is your direct opponent. What kind of opponent is he?

- We are in very good and friendly relations. I have so much to learn from Levon. This year we played two games with each other. I won him at the Norwegian Tournament and he won me at Wijk aan Zee. I think Aronian has a great potential. He astonishes with his chess strength.Besides,heisagreatintellectual.HehasgotsomanyinterestsandIknowthathelovesbasketballandworships“Boston”.

- What do you think, who is the favorite of the Tournament?

- By the results, shown in the last tournaments, I consider Levon Aronian to be the main favorite of the Candidates’ Tournament. Though Vladimir Kramnik is not less strong. Svidler is in good shape now and Topalov as well could give a “hit”. But if you consider everything from the point of view of mathematical calculations, the favorite #1 is Levon Aronian. (THE FULL VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)

Interviewed by Varvara Hayrapetyan