Interesting Pogonina interview
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
One of my favourite sites is that of Russian GM Natalia Pogonina (http://www.pogonina.com/), member of the award winning Russian womens chess team. Today on Chessdom (http://www.chessdom.com/) , excerpts of an interview taken several weeks ago was presented . The interested reader might want to read the entire interview at http://vidaemminiatura.blogspot.com/2010/10/radio-xadrez-vai-russia.html#more
”Nowadays chess is more of an internet game than park or cafe. Of course, there are still old-school players who gather at a local club and blitz all day long, but this great culture is becoming extinct, alas. Also, chess is not as popular in Russia now as it was in the Soviet days, but still about half the population know how to play. Not to mention that Russia is the only real superpower in chess…”
”Of course, I did beat some sexist men in my chess career, but didn’t have a chance to face the legendary Victor Korchnoi. He is known as the #1 insulter of women (who have either beaten him or drawn the game) (smile)…”
”Probably the hardest step is the first one. People often think “nothing depends on me, what can a single person do?”. However, nowadays the role of personalities is extremely high in our society. If one loves chess, he/she may help promote the game by playing well, writing articles, teaching kids, blogging, attracting sponsors, writing books and by myriads of other ways! Never give up, trust in yourself and head to victory! ”
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS