New Nakamura Interview!
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
In the latest interview with Hikaru Nakamura, we see a more mature and refined persona of one of the world’s top players. Fading are the visions of his internet days and comments about his ability to excel only at blitz. He has certainly proven himself an equal amongst the world’s elite. Nakamura discusses his beginnings, his evolution and how his training has differed. More recently he has contracted the training services of GM Artur Kogan and he speaks about his reasons for his choice. He also makes some interesting comments about Carlsen. This interview is a refreshing look at the 25-year old American star and may show that he has a much more informed view than people believe.
Who are the people Nakamura is working with now?
I feel that Nakamura is a great player and I respect him and his comments and I wish him the best on his future quest for the World Championship. I have to give credit where credit is do, in so far as Carlsen’s brilliance at playing and his World #1 ranking, and his vie for the World Championship, but I also must acknowledge that Viswanathan Anand is the World Champion, and has defeated some of the other “world’s” best in match and tournament play and “… has won the World Chess Championship five times (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012), and has been the undisputed World Champion since 2007” per The Times of India. With all do respect to both players, Carlsen and Anand… Carlsen has yet another chance to demonstrate his prowess as well as Anand in the up coming November 2013 World Championship, and we should not… just count out Anand. Whomever wins the upcoming World Championship, we must acknowledge Viswanathan Anand’s brilliance as well, which has afforded him the title of World Champion for the past 6 years and possibly 7 and we should enjoy watching them play.
I personally believe Anand to be a slight favorite given his match experience. He has been a great World Champion and has helped to stabilize the cycle. However, I do feel the curtain is closing on Anand’s generation. Carlsen, Caruana, Karjakin, Nakamura and others will represent the most diverse and competitive cycle in years to come.
I cannot wait to see this championship match because it will either be the end of an era or the beginning of a new one. I believe it will be an exciting match, but the player who is hungrier will be the eventual winner. Anand may be a bit complacent since he’s been holding the crown for a while, while Carlsen is looking to take hold of it. Anand’s experience will help him, but Carlsen’s youth, willpower and bizarre talent will help him win this match.
That interview was well done.
“Chess is a sport at the end of the day” — Nakamura
Hmmmm…. He’ll get quite a debate there.
“We don’t necessarily hate each other” — Nakamura on Carlsen. LOL a very strong denial! I think I’ll tell a cop that I didn’t necessarily run that stop sign!