Interview with Jan Simara

After his victory in this year's European Championship, Jan Simara consented to an interview with us.

EGTV: So firstly, I should congratulate you on becoming European Champion - how does it feel?

JS:  Thanks. I'm happy of course, but I don't feel any different at all.

EGTV: So, can we say that it wasn't a burning ambition of yours, to win the European Title?

JS: Well, I didn't even think about that exactly, I just wanted to get the best result I could, and suddenly I was winning the final game :)

EGTV: That is nice situation to be in. At the start though, did you feel you had a good chance of winning the event, or did you suprise yourself with how well you played?

JS: First of all I lost all 3 of my games in the European team championship final (first 2 I lost because of silly yose answers) and we were second because of that :/, then I lost the 2nd and 3rd round games in the main tournament, so I had 1 win out of 6 serious games! Who would think about winning the tournament at that moment?

EGTV: So you saved your best play until the end of the event then, very wise.

JS: I wouldn't say it was that way. I left behind all the pressure and got into shape.

EGTV: I heard that you used to play Chess, why did you decide to switch to Go ?

JS: I met Go at Chess camp, ( there were a few Go players there.) I really loved the game and seriously left Chess and started to play Go 2 years later, (I was about 16 that time)

EGTV: You are the first European Champion from the Czech Republic - is this a sign that the playing level is increasing in your country?

JS: I think so, we have already three 6dan and four 5dan. About 5 years ago, there were four players above 5d

EGTV: Do you have any ambitions to become a professional? Or does life hold other priorities for you - a job, a university degree, etc.

JS: Actually, now I'm at a crossroads, because I finished my university course 2 months ago, I do not really aim to be professional until there is a pro league in Europe, but I'm quite interested to study go in Asia, at least for a year but it's too expensive for me, (so first of all I would need to find a sponsor , and that's extremely hard,), and also I don't know where exactly I would like to study. I would like to study with strong kids in a serious go school, but these aren't usually open for foreigners, and there is also a language barrier.

EGTV: Would you like the EGF to be able to set up a pro scheme similar to the new one that started this year in the USA and Canada?

JS: I don't know what scheme is in the US, but I would like any pro system in Europe.

EGTV: Do you like asian food?

JS: I'm sorry, I don't like asian food much :), maybe sushi is okay.

EGTV: Last question. What advice do you have for new players?

JS: Play mainly for joy, never be stressed about results.

EGTV: Thank you for answering our questions. EuroGoTV salutes you sir!

JS: Thanks.




placed by javaness at 23:41 Tue 07 August 2012