Igor Zaitsev: It is remarkable that we have a chance to celebrate the anniversary of Victory in this tournament

This year's festival Moscow Open program included a new tournament “Contemporary of Victory” on the 65th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War. More than 100 players who were born in 1945 and earlier take part in the competition.
Igor Arkadievich Zaitsev, one of the participants of this tournament, a well known chess analyst, coach of Anatoly Karpov, and the multiple World champions told us why he decided to take part in the Moscow Open.
 
Igor Arkadievich, have you ever participated in the festival Moscow open previously?

- Previously I played in “Aeroflot open” tournament. I have taking part in Moscow Open for the first time. In Moscow, and even Russia it is a very big festival, which is becoming increasingly famous.
 
How do you like the organization of the festival, what could you mention?
 
- The level of the tournament is high. Despite the fact that I am an infrequent visitor of open tournaments, I have something to compare. Many things are thought out very well, RSSU has excellent conditions for the chess. However, as elsewhere, there are moments that I would like to mention. I think the tournament starts too late because many veterans live far from University and get home only at night. Optimally, it would be starting tours in 2 hours earlier, for example at 15.00.
 
Do you often take part in competitions now?
 
 - No, I rarely play. Basically, now I am doing analytical work.
 
Why have you decided to take part in the tournament this year?
 
This year has started the veterans’ tournament “Contemporary of Victory”. It is difficult to participate in the main tournament and expect that there will be able to show good results for chess players who have reached 60-70 age. It is difficult to resist the youth, because chess is a chain of stress and nervous situations. During the game any age-related chess player can overcome successfully 2 or 3 stress, but then he makes mistakes.

Has it influenced your decision the fact that the tournament “Contemporary of Victory” is dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War?
 
Sure, this anniversary is prestigious for us, because the War is not some abstract concept for our generations. Everything we remember. We felt the heavy and hungry times, and all difficulties which the country had. It is remarkable that we found a way to celebrate the anniversary in this way.
 
Tell us about the veteran chess in Moscow. Does the system of veterans’ tournaments develop well in the capital of Russia?

Ok. In my opinion, the veterans committee has been working very efficiently and can be a model for other commissions. In Moscow, it has been used every opportunity to spend some competition. Whether an important date or simply ability to allow the veterans to play.

Questions by Yana Melnikova