Belarus greets Europe
By Sergey Kasparov
During the month of January the Belarus (formerly known as White Russia) national championships were held. Belarusian chess players are not well-known in the West due to their problems obtaining visas. One exception is Anne Sharevich, which has made a name for herself by virtue of the two German titles won with USV Halle, her team. In her homeland, the grandmaster from Brest (formerly Brest-Litowsk) has worked as a dance and aerobics teacehr and just finished her law studies. Now the 26-year-old has turned her focus to chess and won the national championship. The men's race was a fratricidal struggle, in which Andrey Zhigalko came ahead of his brother Sergey.
A toast to the New Year!
The entrance to the "Chess Palace"
Alexey Fedorov and Andrey Zhigalko
Alexey Federov
Federov and Podolchenko
Sergey Zhigalko
Andrey Zhigalko with his family
The Women's Championship of Belarus
Federov and Zhigalko observing the Women's championship
Anna Sharevich
Ekaterina Bogdan
Ekaterina Morgaenko
Raisa Eidelson
A mini-interview with Anna Sharevich
Are you married?
No.
But you have many admirers.
Naturally I have some admirers, among other things for my physical appearance. But my heart is already taken.
When you're sitting at the chess board, what do you do?
Until recently I was an aerobics instructor and a teacher of Oriental dance. I loved that job, but in the coming months I have a busy schedule of chess tournaments and had to decide which occupations to prioritize. Chess is the most important, and of course my law studies. I am very happy to have completed them with flying colors.
Which chess clubs do you play for?
Only for USV Halle. We were German champions in 2007 and 2010.
Do you have a coach?
I used to be helped a great deal by my father but nowadays I work mostly alone. I am also grateful to Andrey Kovalov, the national team's coach. He gives me a lot of support in the preparation.
What do you estimate your chances of winning the national championsip in 2011?
I prefer not to guess in percentages. I will give my best to be crowned champion.
The winners of the 2011 Absolute Championship of Belarus
1.A.Zhigalko 9,5
2.S.Zhigalko 9,5
3.A.Fedorov 8,5
The complete standings...
The winners of the 2011 Women's Championship of Belarus
1.A.Sharevich 6,5
2.A.Ziazulkina 6
3.R.Eidelson 6
The complete standings...
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