26-11-2017, 02:28 AM
(This post was last modified: 26-11-2017, 02:29 AM by andyburnett.)
It's great to see Murad representing Scotland in such an event and as Craig says the experience will be invaluable.
A point to note is the strength in depth and the opportunities available to many of his opponents. As an example, I played his first round opponent GM Shevchenko (now rated 2550) twice - he was a 2443-rated FM last summer in Pardubice and an untitled 2141-rated player in 2015 in Brno... and he is still an under16!
The difference is not necessarily one of 'talent' of course - Shevchenko is basically playing chess full-time, in strong tournaments (Biel Masters for example, and Bundesliga among many others) and has a coach who works with him constantly, including during tournaments. His goal is obviously quite different from that of our best young players and I'm not sure how - or even if - we should look to replicate this kind of approach?
That being said, I'm pleased and impressed that Murad himself has improved so much recently. If he has the time and wherewithall to stick at it he will be challenging for Scotland adult international honours soon enough.
A point to note is the strength in depth and the opportunities available to many of his opponents. As an example, I played his first round opponent GM Shevchenko (now rated 2550) twice - he was a 2443-rated FM last summer in Pardubice and an untitled 2141-rated player in 2015 in Brno... and he is still an under16!
The difference is not necessarily one of 'talent' of course - Shevchenko is basically playing chess full-time, in strong tournaments (Biel Masters for example, and Bundesliga among many others) and has a coach who works with him constantly, including during tournaments. His goal is obviously quite different from that of our best young players and I'm not sure how - or even if - we should look to replicate this kind of approach?
That being said, I'm pleased and impressed that Murad himself has improved so much recently. If he has the time and wherewithall to stick at it he will be challenging for Scotland adult international honours soon enough.