Andrey Filatov Announces Composition of Russian Team for World Championship
Tournament to be held in Astana on March 4-15.
The World Team Championships will be held in Astana on March 4-15. Head coach and captain of the Russian national chess team Andrey Filatov announced the team’s composition. Russia will be represented by Sergey Karjakin, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Alexander Grischuk, Dmitry Andreikin, and Vladislav Artemiev.
“The team’s composition has changed in comparison with the 2018 World Chess Olympiad in Batumi, where we had won bronze medals having shared 1-3 places with the USA and China”, says Andrey Filatov. “The national team was renewed more than on half. We brought in Vladislav Artemiev, who had recently won the tournament in Gibraltar. The reigning Russian champion Dmitry Andreikin is also included in the team. We invited a three-time World blitz champion Alexander Grischuk. The team’s leader Sergey Karjakin will play on the first board, Ian Nepomniachtchi will be playing on second board, Grischuk – on the third board, Andreikin – on the fourth board, while Artemiev will be a reserve player”.
“We have brought young blood in the team, but we are aimed at winning medals, as always”, adds Mr. Filatov. “The rivalry is growing each year. The Kazakh players will do their best in their homeland, while others (Russia, China, USA, Azerbaijan, Iran, England, Poland, India, and Egypt) are aimed at achieving highest results and places. Two years ago, our national team won silver. We will try to improve our result”.
WHO IS WHO
Sergey Karjakin (FIDE rating – 2753, year of birth – 1990), Vice World champion, World rapid and blitz champion, winner of various super tournaments. Sergey is called “Minister of Defence” because of his tenacious play in defence. One of the most stable grandmasters of the national team.
Ian Nepomniachtchi (FIDE rating – 2771, year of birth – 1990), Russian champion, winner of various super tournaments, European champion, World champion as a member of the Russian national team. Now Ian is on his ascent; he has rushed in the Top 10 of the FIDE rating list for the first time, and he is considered to be the team’s main piercing power by right.
Alexander Grischuk (FIDE rating – 2771, year of birth – 1983), three-time World blitz champion. The most experienced member of the Russian national team. Winner of various tournaments. Finalist of the Candidates Matches. An uncompromising fighter with a sharp and attacking style.
Dmitry Andreikin (FIDE rating – 2725, year of birth – 1990), two-time champion of Russia. World Cup finalist, participant of the Candidates Tournament. A creative chess player, who is capable to outplay any rival when he is in a good shape.
Vladislav Artemiev (FIDE rating – 2736, year of birth – 1998), one of the key hopes of the Russian chess. Vladislav’s progress is evident. His winning of the recent strong open tournament in Gibraltar is impressive as he left behind many renowned opponents (Aronian, Nakamura, Vachier-Lagrave, So, etc.). He can become the team’s discovery.
