Interview with Frode Urkedal
Frode Urkedal was the hero of the day for the Norwegian team in Round 4; his win against fellow Grandmaster Max Illingworth gave his team a narrow victory in the match against Australia. Anastasia Karlovich caught up with him in the Press Center of the Baku Olympiad.
- Congratulations! Can you tell us a little about your game and the match overall?
The match was really interesting! I thought we were worse on at least one board (the third), I didn’t realize we were slightly better on the second; and the first board (GM David Smerdon vs World Champion Magnus Carlsen), well, that was a really strange game (ed: it ended in a draw). As for my game, I wasn’t really prepared for the opening that occurred, but I think I seized the advantage; then I came up with a tactical plan, and so…
- The finish was quite nice!
Yeah, he momentarily got blinded and I got the chance to attack him. I took my king for a walk in the center of the board, which I am not sure was a good idea…
- But in the end you delivered checkmate; has it happened often to you, to checkmate the opponent over the board?
Actually, I have checkmated quite a lot of players recently; I think it’s some new trend, playing on until mate…
- It’s a nice trend, actually!
Yeah, I agree! When you play a beautiful combination and don’t get the chance to conclude it with checkmate, just because people just resign, I guess it’s kinda boring!
- I have to agree! Tell me, how do you feel having brought victory to your team? You were one of the last to finish your matches, and successfully in the end, despite the fact that you were the favorites.
Oh, it felt good! It was really stressful, but now I am very happy.
- I am sure you have been asked this question many times, but let’s ask it once again: how does it feel to play, as you do in this Olympiad, on the same team as the World Champion?
Actually I played with him also in Khanty-Mansyisk 2012. It’s pretty cool for us; we don’t want to disappoint him.
- Does this bring extra pressure on you? That you don’t want to disappoint him?
Mmmm, I don’t know; maybe slightly, but not much. We have good team spirit in the team. We’re doing our best and try to win every match.
- How do you feel about being here in Baku? What do you think about the organization?
Well, it seems good! Some little issue with security only – I couldn’t find the way back in after I walked through the spectator exit, so I couldn’t go back; but it’s my fault. Baku is a very beautiful city and all looks good.
- Are you going to attend the Bermuda party? What about your teammates? I know that Norwegians like parties!
Not everybody will; personally, I don’t know, maybe I will go.
- Is that a yes or a no?
Do I have to decide now? (laughs)
- Yes! (laughs)
