What are the qualities of a world chess champion?

The players at the closing ceremony of the Grand Prix.

Hello Everyone,

The just-concluded Women's Chess Grand Prix-2010 in Jermuk, Armenia was a treat with lots of fighting games, very few draws and, of course, Georgian Grandmaster Nana Dzagnidze's great wins round after round.

There were some official interviews conducted on the sidelines of the tournament and one question that was posed to all the top women players was: What are the qualities of a world chess champion?

Here are the nice answers given by the players.

• Antoaneta Stefanova: I believe to be a World Champion, you need to be not only a strong chess player but also have a strong personality.
• Xu Yuhua: A world champion must have foresight and patience.
• Hou Yifan: In my opinion, the most important is willpower, never give up!
• Maia Chiburdanidze: The champion should be humble with inner strength.
• Tatiana Kosintseva: I see the world champion as a charismatic person and devoted to chess.
• Elina Danielian: I appreciate nobility and I expect to see this characteristic in a champion.
• Pia Cramling: The world champion should be a skilful player and a kind person.
• Shen Yang: I most of all appreciate people who are honest, fair-minded, kindhearted, and strong-minded. And of course the champion should play splendid chess.
• Martha Fierro: Good personality and to promote chess around the world.
• Baira Kovanova: The champion should be very purposeful and strong-willed.

Which quote did you like best and what qualities do you see in a world champion?

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's

www.chessblog.com

Also see her personal blog at

www.chessqueen.com