My former coach, Simen Agdestein, used to be the best player in Norway.

One of the things that first attracted me to chess is that it brings you into contact with intelligent, civilized people - men of the stature of Garry Kasparov, the former world champion, who was my part-time coach.

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

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.

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.

Some people think that if their opponent plays a beautiful game, it's okay to lose. I don't. You have to be merciless.