Alireza Firouzja’s coach, Ivan Cheparinov, shared his thoughts about his player during Norway Chess 2026. Cheparinov says Alireza is a distinctive player, notes his skill in time trouble, and calls Firouzja a fighter.

Ivan Cheparinov

Ivan Cheparinov

Alireza Firouzja’s coach

“Guys like Magnus and Alireza are very different. They have a certain killer instinct. In critical moments, they are more clinical than others. But I think he’s not as desperate to become World Champion as the others. And that could be a problem.

He’s one of the most talented players I’ve ever seen. The moves just come to him. When you’re under 20 seconds against him in Rapid and Blitz, it’s impossible to play him. It’s what happened in the Carlsen game when they got into time trouble, Alireza was simply better.

The guy’s a fighter! He’s in a lot of pain, but he still wants to play.”

Alireza Firouzja suffered an ankle injury on May 17. Firouzja plays sitting down with his leg extended on an extra chair at Norway Chess 2026.

The Norway Chess 2026 takes place from May 25 to June 5, at the Deichman Bjorvika public library, Oslo. Alireza Firouzja leads the tournament with 7.5/9 points after three rounds.

Credit: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess