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Yesterday, FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumjanov and President of the Azerbaijan Chess Elman Rustamov held a press conference at the "UNS" performance Center where an international "President's Cup" chess tournament in commemoration of nationwide leader Haydar Aliyev is organized. Both heads of the federations addressed the questions of the journalists.

- How would you value the performance of the chess players?

Elman Rustamov - Situation is normal. We have not set the goal for our team to absolutely win the tournament. Therefore, such strong chess players are gathered in Baku. Frankly speaking, the very objective of having the talented chess players of the World Team over in Azerbaijan is to expose them to our chess fans, youth, and adolescents. We have already accomplished this goal. A tournament hall is crowded, games are played under a tense sport contest atmosphere, and players do not seem to compromise, which is a good pattern.

Kirsan İlyumjinov - Generally, I am content both with the tournament and the performance of our team. I understand well that your hospitality contributes significantly to this success.

- What is the reason that our team is lagging behind in score? Are you going to meet with our chess players, advice and give your recommendations?

Elman Rustamov - World Champion Vishwanathan Anand told yesterday that luck is the principal reason in this achievement. I believe that luck has some weight in disadvantageous score margin. I am glad with the uncompromising attitude of our chess player; however I can't claim the same upon the results. In any case, many rounds are yet to be played before the tournament is over.

- When becoming elected as a President of Chess Federation, you had told to try to fetch the "Chess crown" to our country as soon as possible. When in the nearest future does it seem feasible to accomplish this success?

Elman Rustamov - Our head of the state Mr. Ilham Aliyev has set such a goal before us. I consider that it seems realistic to hit this objective. FIDE president Kirsan Ilyumjanov has stated that our chess players are very talented, enjoying high rankings. I think they will join "Chess crown" contest realistically in the nearest future. Specific measures have been undertaken in this direction. According to the state program clauses, elite chess players are to benefit maximum from their potential and attain their objectives.

- Usually, team captains play tête-à-tête. Are you planning to play FIDE World team captain Ilyumjinov?

Elman Rustamov - I am ready to play this game with a great pleasure.

Kirsan İlyumjinov- Unlike other types of sport, coaches are the ones to carry out the captain's functions. Nevertheless, I am willing to get in a chess desk with Elman Rustemov. I think this could turn out to be a reality soon enough.

- Is there any chance to arrange a match for the "Chess crown" to be played between Vishwanathan Anand and Veselin Topalov in Azerbaijan?

- Elman Rustamov - We are contemplating over this idea. Meanwhile, this matter will be reviewed within the State Program framework. Personally, I am not against the organization of a remarkable contest in our country. Why not if we have a sponsor?

- Following the Chess Olympiad held last year, foreign coach was expected to be appointed to a national team of men. Is there any news about it?

Elman Rustamov - This matter is not on agenda, and has not been discussed yet. We are going to discuss jointly with the Ministry of Youth and Sport in the sometime in the near future upon the implementation mechanisms of the state program. During that time all the issues pertinent to the development of chess infrastructure will be touched upon.

- Armenian counterparts are organizing international chess tournaments in Upper-mountainous Garabakh. Do you have any mechanism to exert influence in order to prevent this from happening?

Elman Rustamov - Any tournament that is organized by Armenians in the occupied territories suffers legitimacy. As far as pressure mechanisms, we have appealed to FIDE and raised this issue before the organization.

Kirsan İlyumjinov - Under no circumstances shall we confer authorization should we be requested upon the international status grant by the organizers of that tournament. However, FIDE has no competence to ban anyone from playing in those tournaments.

- Is there a plan to organize on of the Grand-Prix rounds amongst women in Baku?

Kirsan İlyumjinov - Azerbaijan Chess Federation actively takes part in international tournaments. We are contemplating the idea of organizing one of the Grand-Prix rounds amongst the women in Baku. We are presently running discussions about this plan with Azerbaijan Chess Federation.