The Hindu : Sport / Chess : Ubilava may coach Harikrishna

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Monday, Apr 18, 2005

Sport

Sport - Chess

Ubilava may coach Harikrishna

V.V. Subrahmanyam

HYDERABAD: Elizbar Ubilava, who has been coaching Viswanathan Anand for more than a decade, may train Pentyala Harikrishna also. "His vast experience and his association with Anand will help me a lot," Harikrishna told The Hindu.

"We are still working out the modalities with Ubilava. I will discuss the issue with Anand to get his opinion.

Infact, Harikrishna was really fascinated by the way Ubilava trained the Indian Olympiad team. "He knows the strengths and weaknesses of all team members," said Harikrishna.

"It is time for me to widen my repertoire in the Opening preparations, besides making improvements in the middle games," the 18-year-old, who returned after the Dortmund event, said.

"At Dortmund I had lost to Selgaer because of a blunder committed in the middle game. It became decisive as only one point separated me and the winner. I wish to avoid such blunders in future," Harikrishna said.

Crucial phase

"Thanks to GAIL, there is very little worry about money. They have assured me of full reimbursement for travelling, coaching and participating in tournaments," Harikrishna said.

"For me, next two years will be very crucial. I have to really make it big to realise my dream of becoming a World champion. I am prepared to make sacrifices to achieve that goal," he said.

Harikrishna (ELO 2646), who is keen to break into the Elite Group of 2700-plus, will be taking part in the biggest-ever prize money ($5 lakhs) Open tournament in Mineapolis (USA) next month.

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