I keep in shape to play good chess: Kosteniuk

Alexandra Kosteniuk, also sometimes called the ‘Anna Kournikova of chess’ (though unlike the other AK, she wins 95 percent of her matches), is an acknowledged master of her game. Currently ranked third in the world, Alexandra became a WGM when she was only 14. Two years later in 2000, she got her IM title. In 2004, she became a GM, the 10th woman in the history of chess to get the title. Satya Siddharth Rath spoke to the Russian chess queen who has an unusual combination of beauty, brains and ruthlessness

What makes you tick?

I always feel I must do something in life. Life is not eternal, one must always keep moving ahead. I want to leave behind a trace of my passage on earth by doing some good deeds, by showing people the joys of the game of chess, which has given me a lot of happiness.

How do you motivate yourself?

Time stops for nobody, it goes by so fast… So I’m always in a hurry to do things, and it keeps me going always. I always try to do something new.

Chess has got a lot to do with fitness. How do you keep fit?

I definitely try to keep in shape. I do lots of sports. I run daily, I love to swim, I ski, I play tennis. All sports are good to keep oneself in shape.

How does it feel to be compared with the other AK - Anna Kournikova?

It’s now been a long time since I have not been compared to Kournikova. She has stopped playing tennis professionally, whereas I am on the way up in my career, and I am only 22. I guess the Press used her name to make more people read their articles, that’s all.

What prompted you towards charity?

I think it’s always good to help others, rather than complaining about one’s own life. If we start helping each other, the world would be a much better place. It’s actually not so difficult to help people, and often you don’t need money for that — you can give attention, care, love…

Of late, your performance level has been dipping a bit. Any particular reason?

My performance has not dipped. If you look at my rating five years ago, I was at 2397 Elo, and since then it has gone up steadily, I have now been over 2500 Elo for the last five rating lists. Since I have become a GM, I’ve been  playing in strong competitions. So some tournaments go better than others. But that’s the only way to make progress.

Elaborate on your life beyond chess?

I do a lot of things. I read quite a bit, I love to travel and visit new places. That’s one of the great advantages of chess, it allows you to play tournaments in new places, and visit new countries.

Has chess helped you in real life situations?

Yes, the game has definitely made me a calmer person. It has helped me take decisions rationally. It has saved me from taking rash, intuitive decisions. I now always think for a moment before taking a decision.

Chess is sometimes called a dry game. Have you any plans to enliven it?

Only non-chess players can call it dry. It’s really cool! I have been playing the game for 17 years now, and everyday I find something new and exciting. But chess is not really a spectator sport. We need to attract people to the game somehow - maybe try out blitz, rapid, simuls, Fischerrandom… Last year I participated in a TV blitz tournament in Moscow, called Golden Blitz, and it was a great success. I think that’s a good way to promote chess.

You have done some modelling too…

I’m not really a model. I do some modelling as a hobby and primarily to promote the game of chess. I also played a small role in a Russian film, and it was a wonderful experience. I would love to act again if I get some good roles…

Does looks help in a game like chess?

I don’t think so, chess is about what happens on the board. It’s one of the most objective games in the world. Actually, it’s a little like life, the more you study, the more you get. In that sense I can say it’s a fair game, where very little is left to chance.

Do you follow Indian chess? Have you met any Indian players?

I try to follow chess in the whole world. I have played several times against Koneru Humpy. Anand is also a very nice player, and a great person. It’s a pleasure for me each time I see him at a chess congress.

Who are your favourite players?

I admire all those who have made it to the top of the world. I love to replay their games and to try to think about their reasoning behind each move.

What other games do you follow?

I follow all Olympic disciplines, but chess is my number one priority. The best thing about chess is it gives you the opportunity to compete with anybody on equal terms.

Any memorable lesson life has taught you in your career so far?

One should not complain when failures happen, one should always try to forge ahead. If you want to succeed, you will eventually succeed.

Any regrets in life?

I am grateful to God for the life he gave me, so I have nothing to regret

Have you ever visited India?

Yes, I was in India once, in Hyderabad in 2002. I participated in the World Cup. I loved the experience. India is a beautiful country.

After chess, what?

I am only 22, so for the foreseeable future I would like to play chess. After that I don’t know… Maybe I’ll start a chess school and help children learn and love this wonderful game.

Finally, had you not been a chess player…

My dream was to become a doctor. I think that’s really a noble profession.