Levon Aronian won the world title for second time yesterday, as he took the FIDE World Cup in Tbilisi. Now back in Armenia, he talked with the press at Tigran Petrosyan Chess House and summed up the 24-day tournament.
“I’ve been to many World Cups, but it was never as tense as this time. I knew I had no other option to qualify for the Candidates Tournament.
All chess players want to be a world champion, regardless of the titles they already have. I’m proud to have withstood the test and won.
I went to the street in Tbilisi, where world champion Tigran Petrosyan lived. I was very curious to see where he grew into the great chess player. It was almost a mystical experience!
FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov compared my play to that of Petrosyan, which was a great honor for me. I always tried to be like him and I never succeeded. Petrosyan was too genius for me.
Photo: Mediamax
My team played a big part in my victory. In Tbilisi I was surrounded by people who were always there for me. We walked together a lot during the long tournament, worked on my physical preparedness.
Without the great support from my family and team, I’d never be able to achieve what I have now. I’m very grateful and touched by their care.
I had unsuccessful moments a year ago. Such times show you who really cares about you and believes in you. When I came back from the tournament in February, my fiancée Arianne said I had to make a choice. I decided to become more professional and I’m very happy with my results.
I think the game with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave was the most difficult in the World Cup. It was hard beating him in the tie-break.
After that statement he was joined by fiancée Arianne Caoili. The couple will get married on September 30. Aronian went silent for a moment and then added,
“People lose themselves when the queen enters. So, I really needed to pass to the final so that I could get to the Candidates Tournament, that’s why I pointed out that game in particular.
Photo: Mediamax
I never had an ambition-related problem. I always believed in myself. I never performed well in the Candidates Tournament but this time will be different.
The fact that I was getting married after the tournament didn’t hinder anything. On the contrary, I’m ready for a new beginning and the thoughts about the wedding only encouraged me.
I dedicate my victory to all those people who believe in me.”
Arianne added,
“I’m so proud of Levon! My heart almost stopped during his game with Vachier-Lagrave, that’s how tense it was. People don’t know how many challenges Levon had to overcome and how much he worked for this achievement.”
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