North Urals R7: Stefanova wins, followed by Ushenina, Sebag

Report after round three

The North Urals Cup is took place from July 26th - August 3rd 2008 in Krasnoturinsk, Russia. It was the strongest women's tournament ever, with the players Xu Yuhua (China), Humpy Koneru (India), Antoaneta Stefanova (Bulgaria), Pia Cramling (Sweden), Marie Sebag (France), Anna Muzychuk (Slovenia), Anna Ushenina (Ukraine) and Natalya Pogonina (Russia).

Final standings

Photo gallery by Vadim Smalkov

Round four: Anna Ushenina, 2476, vs Marie Sebag, 2530 (draw in 48 moves)

Press conference with Vladimir Georgiev, Antoaneta Stefanova's coach, Pia Cramling and WIM Anna Burtasova

A partial solar eclipse on August 1st, visible through clouds with the naked eye

Round six: Natalija Pogonina vs Koneru Humpy (Humpy won), and Xu Yuhua vs Anna Ushenina (Ushenina won)

Anna Ushenina vs Koneru Humpy in round seven (draw in 21 moves)

Marie Sebag vs Pia Cramling (Sebag won in 61 moves)

Interview with Natalija Pogonina, “Surely Everybody Wants to Win”

After an exciting game of Pogonina vs Cramling in round four the press attaché of the tournament talked to the only Russian participant and to discuss her opinion on her own play, the impact of the day off on the mood and competition in friendship.

It deviated from the main line. Probably Pia wanted to play defensively after the defeat. At some moment I played very actively and got the opportunity to sacrifice pawns. Pia somehow lost the thread of the game and I got the advantage. Her position looked doubtful; I mean weak pawns, open king, etc. At some moment I thought I could win.

On the one hand everybody waits for the day off as a possibility to have some rest; on the other hand the rhythm changes and it may even bother you. It is difficult to say what impact the day off had on me, as I could have played better today.

I just said what everybody thinks but does not say aloud for some reasons. Of course every participant wants to win. We must be honest. Despite the fact that I had the lowest rating here, I think about victory.

I play dices. It is a favourite game of many chess players. It helps to abstract from the tournament, to have some fun.

As for me, it has no impact. When you play with somebody, it’s one thing, your contact outside the games is another thing. Even if I lose to somebody it doesn’t mean that I will ignore this person in the evening.

I will play in the team in the national league of Montenegro. Then I will take part in the Intelligent Games in China.

Of course, all of them are the world strongest chess players.

I am balancing but have some strength in reserve. I struggle till the last minute and use all chances, even in bad positions. The fact that I haven’t played for three months probably affects me. I finished the faculty of law in the university. But I think my play is improving.

All photos published with permission of Vadim Smalkov

Links Official tournament site (English, comprehensive, well designed) All games so far in PGN The games are being broadcast live on the official web site and on the chess server Playchess.com. If you are not a member you can download the free PGN reader ChessBase Light, which gives you immediate access. You can also use the program to read, replay and analyse the PGN games.