Kosteniuk says events like the GCL are her motivation

Alexandra Kosteniuk finished the job for Triveni Continental Kings last year. It was her win over Tan Zhongyi in the closely contested final against PBG Alaskan Knights that helped the Continental Kings retain their crown in the second edition of the Global Chess League at London’s historic Friends House.

Ksoteniuk was named the Player-of-the-Match. And she is back for the third season of the world’s most glamorous chess league, wearing the pink jersey of the Continental Kings.

“I did my best, and I am happy that we won the event last year,” the former World champion told The Hindu here on Thursday. “The second season was great for me, but I must say in the third season, the atmosphere in the team is even better than last year. And the team is even maybe a bit stronger. We have daily sessions in blitz chess in the morning.”

The Russian-born Kosteniuk, who now plays for Switzerland, feels the GCL is an interesting event and appreciates the efforts of the organisers as chess is not exactly a spectator sport. “They are trying to make this tournament a product, which is an interesting attempt,” she said. “It is quite challenging. I have been playing chess for many years, and I know that it is not easy. But I am glad to see their efforts and the league is improving every year.”

She turned 41 this year, but is still ranked No. 13 in the world. Every player above her in ranking is at least five years older. So what keeps her going?

“Many of my rivals are of my daughter’s age,” Kosteniuk smiled. “Such tournaments as the Global Chess League are my motivation. These are rapid tournaments, so it is easier for me to play. Because energetically at 40, you are not the same as those 20-year-olds. In rapid and blitz, you can still compete quite well, so I like those formats a lot.”

(The writer is in Mumbai at the invitation of Tech Mahindra).