Indian GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly (2639) has played in the two previous Indonesia Open Chess Championships (IOCC), in 2011 and 2012. And in the third edition, the 30 year old chessplayer has returned again to play.

This chessplayer who loves to play both badminton and soccer was able to come to IOCC because he is on a break from helping World Champion Viswanathan Anand prepare to defend his title at the coming World Chess Championship Match in Chennai against Magnus Carlsen next month. So does he have any target for IOCC 2013? Lets hear it from the man!

Chessdom: This is your third IOCC. So how do you compare it with previous editions?

Surya Shekhar Ganguly: Yes, I have played in IOCC from the first tournament. This year it is even bigger and stronger and I am excited to play in such company. But I must say that like what Nigel Short said, there is insufficient pre-tournament publicity and this needs to be done early. Also I would propose that the time will come that IOCC has only one round a day. Of course I do understand and fully appreciate why the organisers still need to have double rounds on some days.

Chessdom: Is it difficult for you?

Surya Shekhar Ganguly: It is difficult for all participants. I believe all chessplayers would want just one game a day and that would make it a better tournament.

Chessdom: What is your target at IOCC 2013?

Surya Shekhar Ganguly: I have no special target, only to play well and hope that I can also increase my rating.

Chessdom: Are you still a second with Viswanathan Anand at the coming World Championship Match in November next month?

Surya Shekhar Ganguly: Yes, I am still a member of Anand’s team. Before coming to Jakarta we had a training session. The World Championship Match will be in November in Chennai, India. Given the proximity of the match we have been given a short break and so I was able to come to IOCC.

Chessdom: Do you want to become a World Champion like Anand?

Surya Shekhar Ganguly: Everyone wants to be like him. But it is not easy! Of course I can only work hard and see how far I can go. For sure I want to increase my strength and improve my rating.

I wished GM Utut Adianto would also be able to play at IOCC. He is an incredible player still for Indonesia and I was impressed when I saw him play for fun at Biel because he held his own easily. It would be fantastic for such a player to play for Indonesia.

Chessdom: India also has many very good players that are amongst the top in the world. In your opinion, what does Indonesia need to do to catch up with India?

Surya Shekhar Ganguly: I think Indonesia also good trainers already. Now Indonesia has appointed Ruslan Scherbakov who has done a good job and helped bring significant results to Indonesian chess.

Besides good trainers, there must be strong tournaments for your chessplayers to play in. It seems that Indonesians don’t play enough abroad so maybe more tournaments like IOCC would give the chessplayers here more opportunities to play strong players.

Chessdom: If one day you are finished as a player would you consider becoming a trainer?

Surya Shekhar Ganguly: I would love to become a trainer.