The Russian Chess player Vladimir Potkin confessed at the press conference that in the 4^th round he would have a hard time to concentrate on the battle against his old friend — Alexander Grischuk.

— Vladimir, after your great performance this year the chess community already considers you to be the elite grandmaster. Do you agree with that? — Indeed, this year I achieved great results at the European Championship. So far I have been rather fortunate here: I manage to resist and to win the matches. However, as for the elite chess player… I believe it is over exaggerated!

— You are said to be good friends with your opponent of the 1/8 finals — Alexander Grischuk. At his press conference he even called you «Vovan»... — Yes, we do have warm friendly relations with him. I do not mind at all when he calls me like that.

— What is the specific of playing against friends? — Actually, it is not an easy task for me, moreover, we know much about each other. But since this is our destiny to meet at the chess board, we have to fight until the very end for the right to qualify to the next round. Well, we will do it and later on we’ll see what happens.