Once you're a chess player, you spend a lot of time thinking about the game and you can't get it completely out of your head.

Once you're a chess player, you spend a lot of time thinking about the game and you can't get it completely out of your head.

I can’t count the times I have lagged seemingly hopelessly far behind, and nobody except myself thinks I can win. But I have pulled myself in from desperate [situations]. When you are behind there are two strategies - counter-attack or all men to the defences. I’m good at finding the right balance between those.

I got the travel bug when I was quite young. My parents took me and my sisters out of school and we travelled all over Europe. It was an eye-opening experience and, although I love Norway, I also enjoy visiting new countries. I don't get homesick.

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

I'm not really into rap.

I learnt an enormous amount, but there came a point where I found there was too much stress. It was no fun any more. Outside of the chessboard I avoid conflict, so I thought this wasn't worth it.