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The co-authors of the brightest sensation of the 1^st Round, Samuel Shankland (USA) and Peter Leko (HUN), answered the questions of the journalists right after the 2^nd Game.

— One of the main favorites of the tournament Peter Leko is leaving Khanty-Mansiysk. Peter, how did it happen?

Leko: I will have more time to prepare for the tournament in Saratov that will take place in October! Of course, it is unpleasant to lose already in the 1^st Round and moreover so ridiculously. Yesterday I had a brilliant position that was close to the winning one but I lost the game. The next day I played Black and it was very hard to lead the game. I tried an experimental variation, but my opponent played well and did not leave me any chances to gain the initiative. Finally I took more risks than it was possible and found myself in the losing position.

— Samuel, when you were coming to the game yesterday did you feel that everything would go so fantastically successful?

Shankland: In fact, I did not expect that I would be able to win. Now I will have to change my ticket. I simply tried to do my best in the first round and here is the result.

— Samuel, your name is not very well known in the chess community, will you please tell us something about you and your personal chess achievements.

Shankland: I like to play chess, however I don’t consider myself to be a professional player. Last year I entered a college and quit professional chess. It turns out that the less I play chess — the better I perform!