One of the things that first attracted me to chess is that it brings you into contact with intelligent, civilized people - men of the stature of Garry Kasparov, the former world champion, who was my part-time coach.

I am not some sort of freak. I might be very good at chess but I'm just a normal person.

I started by just sitting by the chessboard exploring things. I didn't even have books at first, and I just played by myself. I learnt a lot from that, and I feel that it is a big reason why I now have a good intuitive understanding of chess.

Without the element of enjoyment, it is not worth trying to excel at anything.

I was lucky enough to attend schools where they were understanding about when I needed to go abroad to play chess. Of course, socially it is important to go to school and interact with people your own age.

My father, a fine chess player himself, has been a massive influence throughout my life.

I spend hours playing chess because I find it so much fun. The day it stops being fun is the day I give up.