Dmitrij Kollars: "There is no reason to rest on our laurels"

The Mitropacup is a good test of form for me after a break of several months from tournaments. I want to play more stable than last time and I'm looking forward to a longer tournament after being busy with various tasks outside of chess in the last few months.

I'm usually a bit cautious about making predictions, but I have to admit that winning the tournament should be our goal. The competition consists of many young, up-and-coming teams, so there is no reason to rest on the role of favourites.

In chess:

My daily routine is usually determined by the tournament schedule. Immediately after the match there are some open questions that can be answered by a quick analysis. Waiting for the draw gives me time to recover, after which I try to do the main part of my preparation in the evening. Since many of the lines are forgotten the next day, I usually sit at my laptop again before the start of the round.

Questions of nutrition:

On this topic, I am more helpful as a warning example. In my experience, a long preparation or nervousness before the start of the game are not a good reason to do without a balanced and sufficient diet.

Relaxing, sport, free time:

Walks after and preferably before the game are useful to get some fresh air and relieve stress. If I have enough energy left, I like to run during tournaments, and as a team we often play cards in the evenings.

I've already confirmed the Dortmund Open and the Croatian League, but most of my plans are currently going up to the Mitropacup.

I have been to Apolda several times and have good memories of the German Championship 2017. It is also the only city I can recognize by its flag, because I got a framed city coat of arms there as a beauty prize for the ninth round.