By Jim Perry

JFP: As you know, there has been some controversy about the format of this event. One of the things which has been raised is the possibility that some of the women players will find themselves overmatched, because unlike your normal Swiss where experts are at the top of the heap, here, you're one of the "fish". So it is going to be a rough tournament. And by being overmatched, it may actually be harmful to your future development. How do you feel about this?

LR: I don't agree because even if I lose, if I'm playing strong players I'm going to learn something. Obviously coming here I don't expect to win a lot of games. I just want to get some good experience and learn from it. So I don't think it will hurt my overall performance or anything.

JFP: Do you think that over the decades the mixed gender format will accelerate women's already rapid progress in strong chess events?

LR: I think it will because in the beginning, women weren't really allowed to play chess; a lot of clubs were all men and very exclusive. Now women are having the chance to compete with men -- that will increase their level because they will have a chance to learn from better players. So I think it is a good thing.

JFP: Do you think the girls are ever going to beat the boys?

LR: I think if there is more of a chance now than before. In the past women would strive for women's titles like WGM, but now they are becoming regular GMs too. And that just shows that over time there is no reason why women can't equal men.

JFP: What would happen if the women started invading the top ranks in large numbers. Would the boys stop playing?

LR: I don't think so. I think it would increase the standard of play for both sexes and men would have to give more respect to the women players.

JFP: What about your school. Is there a chess club in your high school?

LR: There is.

JFP: And you're the top player, right?

LR: Yes.

JFP: Do the boys like that?

LR: Sometimes they might not, but I think it's just a very predominantly men's sport. It's always been like that. There are teachers that try to get girls involved. But I guess they are discouraged. They see all these guys and think, "Okay I'm going to be the only girl." They don't realize that it is a good game to play and it can give you lots of opportunities.

JFP: In your school, has your presence as a very strong player brought more girls into the game?

LR: Well, my school is extremely big. I'm still a freshman and I'm not known there or anything. A lot of people don't know I play chess. There is a chess club, but it's not a big thing at my school. Maybe if there was more awareness.

JFP: What about the Olympics. If chess is a sport, do you think it belongs in the Olympics?

LR: Well, there are not a lot of fans in chess, so that's a good question. I don't know. Maybe not, because it's not physical.

JFP: What about the role of chess in your life? Is chess your life, or is it a part of your life, or just what role does it play?

LR: Chess plays a big part, but it's not my whole life. I go to school. I have other priorities.

JFP: Where do you want to be in five years time, both as a chess player and as a person?

LR: My first goal is to become a master. I'm pretty close right now, but it will still take a lot of work to accomplish that.

JFP: Is there anything I haven't asked you about that you want to talk about?

LR: I'm just really happy to be here.