Levon Aronian commented on his game against Vincent Keymer in the second round of the Sinquefield Cup 2026. Aronian says he puts the maximum resistance, and explains how he learned to handle difficult situations.

Levon Aronian

Levon Aronian

American GM

“My task is pretty easy, just trying to put the maximum resistance. Normally I’m the one who’s trying to win, but I’ve been playing so badly in the first day of the tournament, so I have to use my other skills.

[Question: How did you learn these survival skills?] When you’re growing up without electricity and water and you lived like that for four years, I think you’re not afraid of anything anymore. When I got that ‘e4’ move I was so happy, because now I’m finally back in the game! Otherwise, I have to resign.

If I would lose, of course, I would be very tired. But now that I survived… It’s a testament to my trickiness which is making me happy!”

The GCT Sinquefield Cup 2026 takes place from August 10 to 20, at the Saint Louis Chess Club in Missouri, USA. Levon Aronian defeated Vincent Keymer in the second round by making 1 Rook sacrifice, and 13 Great moves. Aronian shares the lead with 5 players, with 1.5 points.

Credit: Lennart Ootes