Levon Aronian: Chess closer to art and sport

By Vera Martirosyan

Number two player in the FIDE list and the leader of the Armenian chess team Levon Aronian claims that chess is not simply a game, it is closer to art and sport, and he believes it should be included in the Olympic Games, Aronian told NEWS.am Sport correspondent.

 The World Chess Olympiad-2012 will launch on Aug. 27, the Armenian national team is training in Tsakhkadzor prior to the tournament.

Aronian said that he is in a good shape and the national team as well.  

On Aronian’s demand the Candidates' Tournament was held in Istanbul and not in Baku, as the place does matter. In addition, Aronian said that Istanbul and Baku are different cities, and Armenians like to perform in Istanbul.

Grandmasters considers the main opponents of the Armenian national are Russia, Ukraine, US, Israel, China and besides Azerbaijan.

Aronian occupied the fifth place at the Tal Memorial in Moscow, as it was his third tournament and he had no idea what to expect from his opponents. “As a result, loses serve for new success,” he said.

The Armenian Grandmaster finds inspiration in contacting his relatives and listening to music, including the Armenian folk music, jazz and classic.

Asked to name a principal opponent, Aronian said, “It would be wrong to name a person. Any opponent is an obstacle to overcome.”

Speaking about the chess legends, Aronian said Alekhin is the best for him.

As to the his future plans, Aronian said he would get prepared for the next tournament held in Brazil in case of successful performance.

“Chess is not simply a game, it is closer to art and sport. I think it would be right if chess were included in the Olympic program,” he added.

Photo by Sona Barseghyan