"I completely fell in love with chess"

Eman Sawan is a highly talented and hardworking chess player from Palestine. She holds the title of Woman FIDE Master. She is the Arab champion in the under-14 and under-16 categories. She caused a great sensation and admiration at the last Olympiad, seven months ago, where, after a remarkable start with 7 points from the first 7 games, she could have fought for the gold medal for the best individual performance on board one. That dream would have come true if she had managed to convert her decisive advantage into a victory, but nerves led to a draw. Nevertheless, it was a formidable performance.

Shortly afterwards, in November, she won the Arab Blitz Championship, also securing third place in rapid and fourth place in classical chess. An extraordinary achievement for such a young girl.

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Eman greatly enjoys chess, embracing the entire process involved in developing and growing as a chess player. Not only playing, but also training. She conveys a passion for the noble game. Very friendly and an engaging conversationalist, she demonstrates great resilience in the face of adversity and never loses her smile.

Footage of Eman Sawan during the 2024 Chess Olympiad, followed by an interview | Video: ChessBase India

Interview with Eman Sawan

Hello Eman. It has been a great pleasure to meet you in person. I have been following your career for some time. You are a role model for all young people who wish to dedicate their time to chess.

When did you start playing chess?

I started at the age of 12, after watching my father and grandfather play together - I became curious. I learnt a few moves simply by observing them, and later I asked my father to play with me and teach me more, and from there I completely fell in love with chess.

You live in Jordan, right? Is there much enthusiasm for chess in Palestine and Jordan?

Yes, I live in Jordan, but I am Palestinian. There is definitely enthusiasm for chess in both places, and also a lot of talent, especially in Palestine, but many players do not have the opportunity to compete internationally due to the war and the lack of opportunities.

You work very hard to improve. Could you tell us how many hours you train per day and what your goals are?

I train about 10 hours a day when I am not at school and about 6 or 7 hours when I have classes. My dream is to become Palestine's first Grandmaster and to raise my country's flag at high-level tournaments.

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I know your favourite chess player is Fischer. How would you describe your playing style?

Bobby Fischer is my favourite player - I consider him the greatest of all time. I love his aggressive style and I try to play in a similar attacking way.

I imagine it is very difficult to concentrate and isolate yourself from the terrible situation in Palestine. How do you manage it?

It is very difficult, truly. The situation in Palestine is heartbreaking and many talented players are held back by it. That is why I try to use my platform to represent them and make them proud. I carry that motivation with me into every game.

What are your upcoming chess commitments and goals?

I am working to achieve the WGM title, to win the Arab Women's Championship, and to reach a 2300 Elo rating this year. I hope I can make it.

Thank you very much for the interview, Eman. I wish you the greatest success in chess and in life, that you may achieve all your dreams and that peace will soon arrive.

Thank you so much, it means a lot to me. I will keep giving it my all.

Eman performed brilliantly at the Semana Santa Open in San Vicente del Raspeig, from 16 to 21 April. She could have achieved even more, given her play and merit. Among her notable games, her phenomenal victory against the excellent Canarian player Adhara Rodríguez deserves special mention. Her next commitments are two tournaments in May in the United Arab Emirates. We hope she finds much success and inspiration. She deserves to fulfil all her dreams, thanks to her talent, hard work and outstanding human qualities.

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