Azerbaijani chess player Shakhriyar Mamedyarov has a chance to become world champion, but not as much as he did years ago.
According to "Report", Shakhriyar Mammadov said this in an interview with the press service of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation.
The experienced grandmaster recalled that he also started coaching during the pandemic:
"A professional chess player must take time for himself for a certain period. Until the age of 35-36, I was only busy with myself. During the pandemic, competitions stopped and I started coaching. I do not recommend young chess players to become coaches. They must definitely engage in chess themselves as much as possible. The chess player I work with is a promising chess player. It is a pleasure to work with Yagiz Erdogmus, one of the best chess players in the world. I agree with your opinion. A chess player who wants to become a world champion should not coach. Sometimes I see young people coaching, but it is very difficult. Let's face it, it would be a lie if I said my best times are ahead. I have a chance to become world champion, but not as much as I did years ago."