YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 25, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian chess players have proved to the world many times that chess in Armenia is as popular, as football in Brazil. And now one can be sure that there will never be a lack of new and talented names in the Armenian chess school, as chess is studied in the schools as a new subject. Chess does not merely educate the new generations, but also instructs them. "Armenpress" introduces interview with one of the world’s strongest chess players Levon Aronian.

- What are Your expectations from the Candidates Matches? Whom do You consider to be Your main opponents?

- I am glad for my participation in the tournament itself. The Candidates Matches belongs to the category where each chess player wants to win. Not to win in Candidates Matches is the same as to lose. All the eight participants will strive to win; seven of them are my main opponents. It’s difficult to say who will perform successfully, as all of them have been getting ready for tournament appropriately.

- You have been training with the Armenian chess players in Jermuk. Are You in a good shape now?

- Yes, I have been training with the guys. As always this time too the doctor of our team helped us very much. To my opinion that work we have been doing there will give its results. I am very satisfied with it.

- Levon, in an interview with "Armenpress" Magnus Carlsen of Norway stated that for him You are one of the world’s best chess players, if not the best. What opponent is he to You?

- It's interesting to play with Magnus. Our styles are very different and I guess that this is what pleases me greatly. I like to compete with the chess players, who have their distinct style and differ from mine.

- When time comes, will You take part in the Baku Olympics in 2016? And can Baku have certain impact on Your play?

- 2016 is still far away. Many things can change before that. I am hopeful that our nations will find a way out from these complicated situations. We are neighbors and we shall remain neighbors. If everything remains the way it is now, that's to say if this situation continues, than it will be difficult for us to play or leave for Baku. (THE FULL VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)

Interview by Varvara Hayrapetyan

Photos by Arevik Grigoryan