For Politika newspaper, by Aleksandar Stanic
The least known player for Serbian public is 23-years old Israeli GM Michael Roiz. Aleksandar Stanic interviewed the quiet youngster from Beer-Sheva.
Q: This is your first time in Serbia. What are your impressions?
A: I feel very comfortable in Serbia. People are open and friendly. I particularly liked Valjevo Museum.

Iordachescu and Roiz analysing
Q: How popular is chess in Israel?
A: We have many strong players with only 6 million inhabitants. However, chess is stagnating in Israel, more popular are football and basketball.
Q: Your name is international. How do you exactly pronounce it?
A: In Russia they call me Misha, in Israel Mihail and in Europe Michael, like if it is English name.

Michael to move
Q: How did you start playing chess?
A: My father taught me the rules when I was 6 years old. Three years later we moved to Israel. In Russia I was 2nd in U10 group and later vice-champion in European U16 championship. I became Grandmaster when I was 18 years old. My favorite players are Fischer and Kasparov.
Q: What do you expect to achieve in Gorenje 2007?
A: I just want to play the best I can, have some nice games and enjoy.

Aleksandar Stanic, reporting for “Politika”
Questions by Chessdom reporter:
Q: Is this your first invitational tournament?
A: Well, not really. I already played round-robin in Saratov few years ago and one in Beer-Sheva. But this one is definitely stronger and I am very happy that I was invited.
Q: Have you played any of these players before?
A: No. I have seen them at various tournaments, Gibraltar for example, but we never met over the board.
Q: Were you pleased with your Gibraltar performance?
A: I couldn’t say pleased, but ok, I played well and tied 5th place.