Important to show form and energy to win Candidates: Koneru Humpy
TNN | Apr 5, 2024, 02.31 PM IST
NAGPUR: At 37, Koneru Humpy is the oldest but the most experienced player in the Candidates chess tournament.
The India No.1 and the 2019 world women’s rapid chess champion will be participating in her second Candidates tournament. The world No. 5 holds the record for being the youngest woman ever to achieve the Grandmasters title when she was just 15 years old.
Speaking exclusively to TOI, Humpy is optimistic about her chances of winning the Women’s Candidates tournament in Toronto. She said, “This is the second time I am playing Candidates. The earlier one was the knockout event. This being a double round-robin event, gives chances for the best player to lift the title.”
Humpy has a reason to believe why she can be among the top finishers. Comparing the double round-robin format with the Grand Prix, Humpy said, “I would see this Candidates tournament similar to the Grand Prix events. It is important to show good form and energy to win such a long tournament.”
Since 2009, Humpy has won as many as 12 Women's Grand Prix titles which include as many as eight gold medals.
On her opponents in Toronto, Humpy said, “Apart from the Bulgarian player (Nurgyul Salimova), I have played with the rest of the field several times.”
In the opening round, Humpy will defend with the black pieces while facing her young compatriot R Vaishali on Friday.
The India No.1 and the 2019 world women’s rapid chess champion will be participating in her second Candidates tournament. The world No. 5 holds the record for being the youngest woman ever to achieve the Grandmasters title when she was just 15 years old.
Speaking exclusively to TOI, Humpy is optimistic about her chances of winning the Women’s Candidates tournament in Toronto. She said, “This is the second time I am playing Candidates. The earlier one was the knockout event. This being a double round-robin event, gives chances for the best player to lift the title.”
Humpy has a reason to believe why she can be among the top finishers. Comparing the double round-robin format with the Grand Prix, Humpy said, “I would see this Candidates tournament similar to the Grand Prix events. It is important to show good form and energy to win such a long tournament.”
Since 2009, Humpy has won as many as 12 Women's Grand Prix titles which include as many as eight gold medals.
On her opponents in Toronto, Humpy said, “Apart from the Bulgarian player (Nurgyul Salimova), I have played with the rest of the field several times.”
In the opening round, Humpy will defend with the black pieces while facing her young compatriot R Vaishali on Friday.