Mahir Mammadov: "We will continue our efforts for World Chess crown " - INTERVIEW

Baku. 24 December. REPORT.AZ/ Interview of vice-president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Mahir Mammadov with Report.

- FIDE President has recently visited Baku. What was the purpose of the visit?

- This was his first official visit after Arkadi Dvorkovich was elected president of FIDE. The Ministry of Youth and Sports and the federation were asked to accept the president of the organization at a high level and this became a reality.

- What issues were discussed during the visit?

- President Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for congratulations after FIDE elections.

High level of development of chess in Azerbaijan was discussed. Re-establishing FIDE, the issues raised and the role of Azerbaijani chess players were also discussed. Important points have been touched upon.

- Did Dvorkovich come to Baku with any suggestion?

- No, there is no exact offer. FIDE is currently redeveloping the tournament table on the world chess map. That's why Dvorkovich has also brought FIDE's new chief manager, the former chess player, Emil Sutovsky. At present Sutovski plays in Israel and played for Azerbaijani clubs for a long time. He just talked about new ideas. For example, the world championship among women will be carried out by a new rule, the new approach to existing tournaments in the FIDE table. 

- What great chess competitions are expected in Azerbaijan in 2019?

- The President of FIDE added that "ShamkirChess" tournament in memory of Vugar Hashimov is held at the highest level in Azerbaijan. The conservation about this tournament and also holding it in the future was also discussed, the exchange of views was held. Then, Nakhchivan Open and Baku Open international tournaments in Azerbaijan were mentioned. There are such important races. They will stay in their place. After determining the concept of the tournament, FIDE will come up with suggestions. For now, there cannot be a precise offer. Because these plans are developed inside the organization.

- You are working as vice president in FIDE. What opportunities does this offer to you?

- Within the organization, I am not just in the Presidential Council and all commissions, but also in the level of discussions at any level. I participate directly in creation of any idea, its adoption after its discussion, etc. With my insistence and initiative, Azerbaijani specialists can take part in the FIDE Permanent Commissions. At present this case is under consideration.

- At present, Azerbaijan is interested in the fact that although some chess players in country are not the world champions, but they can become a winner of the Bidders Tournament ...

- Mr. President also talked about this in the exchange of views. The Head of State is very knowledgeable about this kind of sport. Shahriyar Mammadyarov took the 2nd place in the last Bidders Tournament. This means that Mammadyarov was very close to the world chess crown with Magnus Carlsen. Since 2011, our chess players have been participating in tournaments at a high level. They have always participated in these tournaments with respect to to their rating and their rights. There was a conversation about it. In the future, we will continue our efforts for the world chess crown.