Who could dominate world chess? The most promising country is India, says Alexander Grischuk Premium

He asked me to wear it if I win something. Alexander Grischuk, former World No. 3 and 3-time World Blitz Champion, put on a Chicago Bulls cap after winning the Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata. He shared his memories of his first major success, his thoughts on India's success in chess, and his love for the game. Humor and cold water washes helped him win the tournament, and he thanked his "secret coach" and fellow player, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.

At the closing ceremony of the Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata last Saturday, Alexander Grischuk put on a Chicago Bulls cap shortly after receiving the winner’s trophy and cheque for the blitz event. “I had promised my son that I would wear this cap if I win something,” he said. “But I couldn’t win any in the last 10 tournaments.”

The Bhasha Bhawan auditorium at the National Library erupted with laughter. Grischuk is not just one of the world’s best players — of the last couple of decades — he is also one of the most popular. The 39-year-old is a former World No. 3 and has won the World blitz championship three times. He was only the eighth player in history to cross the 2800 mark in Elo rating.

Excerpts from an interview he granted The Hindu, a little after he put the Bulls cap on:

You caused quite a sensation on your maiden visit to India, back in 2000 for the World championship in New Delhi. You were 17 and seeded 46th in a strong field, but you reached the semifinals, exceeding all expectations.

I was more surprised than anyone else. I had no expectations whatsoever. I was just playing round after round. It was my first major success. I will remember that tournament forever. I also remember the visit to the Taj Mahal. It was incredible, grandiose.

What effect did your unexpected success have on your career?

It’s hard to say. Maybe it has played a negative role in my career because I became a bit of a star and it’s very bad for your play [at that age]. You get so much attention, especially undeserved attention. I mean, it’s not that I really achieved something special. It was just a knockout tournament [not the World championship cycle]. But still it was nice.