“It’s clear that Hikaru and I are roughly on the same level...” — Denis Lazavik

Denis Lazavik

Belarus' No. 1

“Hikaru is super strong, so it is very difficult for most people to play against him. At the same time, as I already said, he has real weaknesses.

For example, there is Alireza Firouzja. He has a good opening, normal positional play, good tactics, obviously good play in complex positions. But the most important thing for me is the opening, because everything comes from there…

I play much better in simple, clear positions with a clear plan. And against Hikaru I simply reach such positions, because in the opening he does not try to equalize with either White or Black. In this sense, my style suits perfectly.

His positional play is very often weak. That is, in terms of specific moves, tactical twists, holding positions that are difficult for him, he is good. But he gives a lot of chances.

I’m not saying it would be a completely one-sided game right now. It’s clear that we are roughly on the same level. But it’s much harder for me to play against other chess players, primarily because of the opening.

Because the opening is the start of the game, and it determines how the game will unfold.”