In the chess world, change is coming. "I'm sorry" in this seventeen girl grandmaster from Russia, which has already been called the "Anna Kournikova of chess". International chess structure proposed
Alexandra Kosteniuk become the new face of chess - a game, which is usually associated with "nerd" middle-aged round glasses with thick lenses and a threadbare jacket.
Kosteniuk is playing in a style that characterized as "savage, the attacker is not considered a barrier - a style which had never played a woman grandmaster".
She started playing chess at five years, and at fourteen became a grandmaster. In December, she became vice-champion at the world championship, and, as experts say, has shown "excellent", "bold" and "exciting" game.
"The popularity of chess is not as high as it could be. I think I can help fix it "- said
Kosteniuk last week -" It's an honor that they call me the face of this game ".
Kosteniuk has recently been recognized as Player of the Year. She has already managed to publish a book in which he writes about himself, about Russia's chess school and strategy games. She has a web site with pictures, poems, through which it can offer a game. It is considered the most beautiful chess since, as Faye Dunaway lost his elephant, playing against Steve McQueen in 1968 in the movie "The Sting Thomas Crown Affair".
Recently, promoters have heard plenty of criticism from fans of chess, who do not like that chess presented as a dynamic, aggressive game, which is interesting young intellectuals.
A month later, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) will hold the first Grand Prix in Dubai. Competition on the system "knockout", which will be broadcast on television, will be formalized as the TV show "The Weakest Link".
Nick Hawkins, chief marketing officer of the British Chess Federation, believes that FIDE should work with
Kosteniuk, to increase the popularity of chess. "It is - simply gorgeous! Seeing her, you'd think that she - supermodel. But while it is still very, very strong player, "- he says. - "It can make a phenomenal effect, showing people that a female player may be young, attractive and sociable".
Nigel Short, the famous British grandmaster, said that the skill
Kosteniuk has skyrocketed.
"In chess, a lot of attractive girls, but she makes a strong impression," - says Short. "Obviously, she is very talented. In any sport needs an attractive personality, and I like the idea to engage in marketing of chess with her help ".
Judith O'Reilly, The Sunday Times
Source: InoPressa
Alexandra Kosteniuk: "It's nice just to win ..."
