Sport - Chess

Gopal eyes world’s top 10 spot

KOCHI: Working with Israeli Grandmaster Lev Psakhis has given G.N. Gopal an insight into how chess kings behave during major battles.

“Garry Kasparov is basically like a predator. And he cuts out all the options for opponents,” said Gopal, armed with the interesting information offered by Psakhis, a former Soviet Union champion who worked with the Russian legend a few years ago. “Kasparov used all his energy during games, he was always very focused.”

As he spoke, Gopal, one of the brightest boys in Indian chess, appeared very excited. “I think I’ve developed some predatory instincts too after listening to Psakhis. It was a fantastic experience. My big goal is to get into the world’s top 10,” said the 19-year-old, Kerala’s lone Grandmaster, here on Tuesday.

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