David Zakaryan is best Armenian chess player of Oxford University – interview

By Paruir Siniavsky

The 130th annual chess tournament between England’s University of Oxford and University of Cambridge was held recently. And David Zakaryan is the first Armenian chess player who competed in the event as part of the Oxford University team.      

NEWS.am Sport interviewed Zakaryan, and below is an excerpt.

How is this tournament played?     

Each team has eight players. They are primarily professional chess players. The tournament is very well known. 

How did you become a tournament participant?

I left Armenia in 2000. I lived in Greece; I am a citizen of that country. I took part in numerous chess tournaments, and I represent the Chess Federation of Armenia. 
On the invitation of Oxford University, I moved to England two years ago with my family. I am working on my “Women in Medieval Armenia” doctoral dissertation. 
At the same time I am a member of the Oxford Professional Chess Team.  

What success have you accomplished in the chess confrontations of the universities?

I am taking part in this tournament for the second time. Our team won last year, but I have won my two games. For the two consecutive years I have received the Bob Wade Briliancy Cup for the best game.   
I represent Armenia and the Chess Federation of Armenia in this tournament, too, and I am proud to leave an Armenian trace in Oxford’s history.