Reactions of the coaches

Mark Dvoretsky "This event took place in a very friendly atmosphere. These young players are full of energy. It is a still rare, but very clever idea to combine competition with trainings. For junior tournaments, it's very useful. In Holland, you have a fine tradition of inviting a guest grandmaster. To have this guest instruct young players is a good idea. It can be very important for young players. We used this combination a couple of times in Russia, in the Botwinnik school serious lectures were combined with matches. But these initiatives were never as advanced as this one. Many different forms are possible, we can work on those in the future. The venue of Connection1 is very unusual, very modern. Computers are not my native language, but computers and young chess players are natural partners. Almost all players who performed here, we already knew. They are all talented, this is no discovery of ours. Of course, Daniel Stellwagen is a promise. At our trainings, he suggested many good ideas quicker than the rest. He is really a top talent, but he must also develop in other ways. I am confident, because I have got to know him and he is a very nice guy. He doesn't need quick results right now, the pressure mustn't be too high. Holland is one of the most advanced countries in chess. Here, you have everything: clubs, coaches, state coaches, many tournaments. That's why your country keeps producing new talents. You have a good tradition and a nice atmosphere." Artur Yusupov "The standards of technique are very high at Connection1. The venue is beautiful and modern. The games were presented well with the techniques available. The young players here demonstrated great fighting spirit. The program was tough for them, but they participated well. I hope they liked it. We saw a lot of good players here. Some, like Erik van den Doel, are already quite established. But the players of the second Dutch team also did well. I found their attitude very positive." Loek van Wely "It all looks very beautiful here. But the whole program was a bit too busy for my taste. I didn't play, but still it was a bit much. Playing chess, surfing on the internet, a crowded bar ... Of course, many things had to be done in little time. But I think it is better to keep trainings and matches apart. When I have trained for four hours, I don't have much energy left to play well. Sometimes I found the atmosphere strange. And a few players made quick draws and then went on surfing on the net. The Dutch players could come to me for advice. Some were a bit shy, others nearly ripped off my shirt, so to speak. It made me think, was I like that ten years ago? I have grown up under Cor van Wijgerden, who was very disciplined. I think my generation is more serious than this one. Of course, Erik van den Doel is already a strong player. But he may have a motivation problem, now that he has become a grandmaster. He still has a long way to go. Daniel Stellwagen is very good for his age. He may become a strong player, but there are many factors that can stand in the way. Next week, I'm playing the Dutch Open in Dieren. I will not stay at the camping, because I like to have a bit of rest during a tournament." Uwe Bönsch "This was an outstanding idea. The trainings by Yusupov and Dvoretsky were very useful for my players. It was a very busy week for us. It's a pity that we could only play three rounds. We had a great time here. We are thinking about organising an event like this in Germany, but I know this will take a lot of work. Maybe in one or two years. It was a beautiful event for the young stars. The entourage was special. The technical possibilities at this place are better than in most top chess tournaments." Yochanan Afek "The idea for this international event was initiated during a casual conversation. Karel van Delft was courageous to carry it out, with the right supporters. This was a most interesting tournament, in a venue such as I have never experienced before. It's like Star Wars headquarters around here! Apart from the succesful combination of training and playing, this event also contributes to the friendship between different countries and their players."