Interview with GM Deep Sengupta

Deep,you recently shared for first prize in the Rethymno open at Greece. Tell us how you were feeling about this? How important is this victory to you?
It really feels great to tie for the first place in a strong event like this with many Grandmasters playing. Initially I wanted to gain ELO rating from this tournament to get to 2500 rating and also try for the final GM norm. This victory is very important in the sense that it will give me lot of confidence in the coming tournaments to complete my final GM norm.

Please tell us more about your various achievements in Chess so far
My best achievement is the World U-12 title in the year 2000. Apart from this I tied for the Dutch Open in 2007, I won the Australian Open (Doeberl Cup) 2009. I have got 5 National Titles in various age categories (U-8, U-12, U-16, U-18 & U-20)

Every chess player will have different aims he or she hopes to achieve. What are your aims in the short term and in long term?
In the short term I wish to complete the final GM norm. In the long run I would like to be a strong Grandmaster and a rating of 2650 +

How many hours a day you practice on chess? Do you have any coach / trainer / playing partner?
I work for around 6 hours a day. Right now I do not have any trainer. I work with another IM from Kolkata, IM Arghyadip Das. I also get a lot of help and guidance from S.S.Ganguly.

Tell us the role your parents have played in your chess career.
My Parents are my biggest support since my very childhood. In the initial period my mother accompanied me to most of the tournaments in India. Although I did not have any sponsor in the earlier time, my parents tried very hard so that I can participate in most of the tournaments (the number of tournaments in India were very few). They always keep encouraging me.

What are your memorable moments in relation to chess so far?
Probably winning the World U-12 Title in 2000 was the most memorable moment of my life, also when I was given the opportunity to welcome Vishy Anand in 2000 in Kolkata when he also became the World Champion.

How do you see chess developing in India? What more could be done to get more people to play the game?
Chess is developing in India very rapidly. More and more children are taking part in the tournaments. Chess is the only game that has brought so many World, Asian and Olympiad titles to INDIA. But it is sad that many young talents leave chess when they reach their secondary or higher secondary examinations. May be chess needs to be developed as a profession is India. The government and the big Corporates will have to play a big role in this.

How useful is Internet these days for chess? For what purposes you use computer in your preparations?
Internet is now the most important tool in chess apart from the chess software’s. Through Internet one can be up to date with the latest developments in chess, and can follow the games played in the top most level. Websites like “ICC” and “Playchess” provide host for online chess tournaments and also enable online training.
I generally use computer for preparing openings.

When did you start playing chess and who taught you the game?
I started playing when I was 5 and half years of age. My father taught me the basics.

Which chess players you like the most in India and abroad?
In India, I am a big fan of Ganguly and Humpy. In the world level, Vishy Anand.

What are the qualities you think will help chess players become very strong and successful?
Clear objectives, Self confidence and completely focused.

What are your favourite past time hobbies?
I like to listen to music, reading novels (fiction and fantasies).

What movies/books/music you like the most?
My favorite movie is “The Lord of the Rings”. favorite book is the “Inheritance Circle”. I like soft Music.

Do you have a sponsor to take care of your expenses related to the game?
Right now, I am getting stipend from Indian Oil Corp. ltd.

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