Aarthie Interview

Chennai Central Railway Station witnessed a unique gathering on Tuesday, Nov. 9th '99. It comprised Chess players, officials, children, sports lovers waiting anxiously for the Chess queen to arrive from Delhi. The train's delay went unnoticed in the pleasantries exchanged about the champion. When the shy unassuming lass stepped out of the carriage with a hesitant smile, the modest crowd burst into a jubilant cheer. It was a red letter day in Indian Chess, for the triumph sent everyone into raptures.

Royal welcome at Chennai Central Railway Station

From the girl next door to a world champion Aarthie has come a long way. Her first foray into Chess was a neighbourhood children's tourney in 1987. As a six-year-old she'd barely learnt to play the game a few days before, from her brother. "The longest journey begins with the first step" goes the adage, and thus began Aarthie's tryst with Chess. Receiving the accolades from her wellwishers, fans, clubmates, friends, congratulatory messages from all over the country, a tired but immensely happy Aarthie spoke about her Spanish conquest, future plans, etc., to www.chathurangam.com immediately on her arrival from Spain.

Q: Ms. Aarthie, congratulations on your gold medal winning performance in Spain. You have made us all proud.
A: Thanks! The reception here was beyond my expectations. It was relatively quiet in Spain and in Delhi. But over here in Chennai it is pouring. I am truly overwhelmed.
Q: Has life changed overnight for Aarthie the world champion?
A: Others' approach to me may change, but my outlook about others remains the same.
Q: Tell us about the Women International Master title, that came with the World crown. Is it confirmed as you share the title with topseed E Ovod?
A: FIDE Rules provide that if the title is shared by three players or less, the Women International Master title is confirmed. And by coincidence, I started as the thirteenth seed and now I'm the thirteenth Women International Master in India.
Q: After Anand's triumph in 1987 we had to wait twelve years for a similar achievement. How do you like being compared with Anand?
A: Anand is my one of favourite stars and I am happy to be compared with him.
Q: How do you see your triumph in the Asian sub junior in Mumbai 1997 to the gold medal winning performance in Spain 1999?
A: It was quite easy in Mumbai where I scored cent percent 9/9, but it was much tougher in Spain and the competition was at a different level. The average strength of the players I met in Spain ranged around 2240.
Q: Starting as the thirteenth seed, how did you fancy your chances?
A: I was in a positive frame of mind, looking to finish around the top three. A relatively low seeding helped me, in that not many took notice of me.
Q: You had a flying start, but when did you feel confident of your title chances?
A: After I beat the topseed E. Ovod, my confidence was very high and I believed it was within my reach.
Q: Scoring over the topseed should be something special. How did you go about that?
A: The night prior to that round I prepared with the laptop of our coach IM Manuel Aaron and Ovod walked right into it. After the opening I had the advantage and I held on to it posting a comfortable victory. That win really pumped me up and I was ready for the home run.
Q: Could you tell us about your preparations?
A: I prepared for twenty days prior to the championship. Actually my preparation for this event last year was much stronger. But I was fighting in all the games and was lucky in three games where I managed to win from minus position. Basically I hung on to the position and took my chances.
Q: What impact did the prepartion have on your games?
A: I was more focussed than last year. It was more like inner preparation. I felt comforatble playing in the same venue a second time and was looking only at the immediate round on hand. I didn't mingle that much and even during the rest day I kept to myself. Hospitality was excellent and coupled with good food I felt things were complete.
Q: In the penultimate round you lost your only game of the tournament to Jana Jackova, and on the morrow you had a must-win situation on hand. How was your mood on that day?
A: I didn't feel any pressure. Somehow things didn't go my way against Jana and I lost. Actually, I played a novelty and it backfired, resulting in my second loss to her in twelve months. As for the final round I just simply played the game, and wasn't aware that topseed E. Ovod had won her game quite early reaching 9 points before myself. Winning was the only thing on my mind and after the first time control Wang Yu gradually lost her grip and finally the game.
Q: Which was your most satisfying victory in the championship?
A: I am tempted to say that my win against Wang Yu of China, as it fetched me the world title. But I won with black pieces against the seventh seeded Polish girl Jurkiewicz. With my king in the centre, I went all out against her long castled king exerting pressure in the middlegame thereby winning a piece. That game gave me the most satisfaction.
Q: What are your immediate tournaments and targets?
A: I am leaving in a day to Sangli, to play the National Women "B" where my priority will be to qualify for the National "A". It will be followed by National Junior Boys at Sivakasi in December and possibly the Goodricke tournament in February. I hope to increase around a hundred Elo points in the next Rating list. And my target is to become a Women Grand Master in another three years.
Q: Will the world title inspire you to turn professional?
A: (looks at her father) I want to become a professional player and bring laurels to the nation.
Q: And what in Chess makes you happy, i.e., other than titles and prizes?
A: Playing without flaws, executing the plans properly and be known as a good player.
Q: We wish you to become a Women Grand Master at the earliest and bring the World Junior Girls title to India the next year.
A: Thank you very much! I shall definitely try to make your wish come true.
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