Hou Yifan

Former Women’s World Champion

“I’m the kind of person who normally does not regret what I’ve done before. I should say that I’m quite happy with my current situation. I have to admit, though, that if I hadn’t quit professional chess 7-10 years ago, I could have become stronger and improved my rating. But life is quite limited. If you put all of your efforts and all of your energy into one thing, then you will also lose out on some of the other things that are very unique to you.

Thankfully, I decided to study at Oxford and then attend a university to start a new career in the educational field. This is a new career, but it has a great connection with sports and also with mind games. I would say that I’m trying to contribute to the chess world in any way I can, considering that I grew up and benefited from chess.

Is it in my plans to reach or surpass 2700? Well, if you had asked me this 10 years ago — yes. But now, I would say, chess is just a kind of, not exactly a hobby, but something to enjoy. I just try to be very comfortable when I spend time with chess.”