Meet Michael Rahal - Open Chess Menorca 2022
A few days ago the international Chess tournament "Open Chess Menorca 2022" took place in Ciutadella, a tournament that Portal Menorca had the pleasure of sponsoring and interviewing one of the players.
Gracias a este patrocinio y colaboración, hemos tenido acceso a entrevistar y poderos presentar a toda una eminencia en el mundo del aThanks to this sponsorship and collaboration, we have had access to interview and introduce you to an eminence in the world of chess: the international master Michael Rahal. We hope you like it and find it interesting.
Hi Michael, first of all, thanks for giving us a few minutes for the interview. Is this your first visit to Menorca or have you been to the island before?
I have already been to Menorca several times, on vacation and also competing, for example in the Spanish Championship in Cala Galdana in 1994. It is an island that I love.
If you had already been here, what do you think about Menorca? Could you live here or live on an island?
As I said, Menorca is an island that I love and, obviously, I would not mind living here, although I admit that I have never lived on an island and I would have to see if I can adapt myself to the island way of life. I admit that with the beauty and tranquility of the island, I think it would not be difficult to do so.
If you had to highlight something about the island that has surprised, enchanted or attracted you, what would it be?
Although it sounds like a cliché, I love the island's beaches, the color of its waters (both north and south), and also the friendliness of the local people. Those 3 things are what, in my opinion, stands out the most about the island.
Tell us about your experience and career with chess, how were your beginnings, and what is your day-to-day like?
I have been playing since I was seven years old, although I have never played strictly and exclusively 100% professionally (I have played semi-professionally or even played and competed against professionals). In any case, I am training on my own or teaching between three and five hours every day. I also have the title of International Master (which is the second-highest possible title) and thanks to social networks, I have a YouTube channel with more than 25K followers.
What did you expect from this tournament?
The truth is that my expectation was to play some interesting games against grandmasters and get in shape for the Veterans World Cup that will be played in November. I have been able to meet these objectives and I have also raised my individual ranking a bit, so I leave very happy and satisfied with the final outcome.
Now that you have discovered the island, would you return or would you recommend a visit?
Of course, I will return as soon as I can and I will recommend a visit to all my friends and family!
