Like a knife through butter

She was born in the Russian city of Perm on April 23, 1984, became a WGM in 1998 and an men's IM in 2000. Since 1985 she has been living in Moscow, currently studying at the Russian State Academy of Physical Education, to become a certified professional chess trainer upon graduation.

Alexandra learnt chess from her dad, Konstantin Vladimirovich Kosteniuk, who taught her how to play when she was five. He worked with her daily for several hours at a time. "My dad sacrificed many things in life for me. He abandoned a very promising and lucrative career of an army officer just so that he could continue helping me with my chess and accompanying me to tournaments," she says.

Alexandra became European champion among girls under the age of 10 in 1994, and a month later shared first and second places at the World Championship in that same category. At the age of 13 years and 10 months she became a WGM and received the title at the 33rd World Olympiad in Elista, Kalmykiya.

She writes poems and likes all kinds of sports. After graduation in Moscow she wants to study at one of the best universities in the world. "Studying is something I really love doing, and I just hope to have enough money for tuition."

Alexandra's current rating (July 1, 2001) is 2440, making her one of the 30 strongest female players in the world. As a chess trainer she recognises the possibilities the Internet provides. "It's now possible to play and take lessons from any place of the world. The concept of physical distance doesn't exist in the online world, and that is so cool!"

At the current time (December 2, 2001) this young lady has gone through the women's section of the FIDE world championship easily, conceding only a single draw. In round three she defeated world championship contender Alisa Galliamova 2-0.

Oh yes, and you will probably want to visit her glamour gallery as well