Little is known about TOP 16, but many are willing to compete. What is the phenomenon of this project, in your opinion?
Oh, I think TOP 16 is really awesome, it exists to show who's really the best of the best on the planet.
How do you imagine TOP 16?
The idea behind TOP 16 is really awesome, for me the best organized tournament ever.
Why did you agree to enter the TOP 16? Is it the novelty of it, or the mystery?
I agreed to be in TOP 16 because I think I proved it in many tournaments around the world that I have what it takes. Yes, it’s a novelty for me.
Entering a mysterious enterprise is risky – do you like risk?
I like risk but I’m sure the organization will be extra, because lgor Mazureko is absolutely awesome at organizing events.
What do you expect from entering the TOP 16?
l expect to prove that I’ve got a big chance to be among the best on the planet.
Is entering the TOP 16 distinguishing to you? A chance to advance in the world of armwrestling?
Oh absolutely, for me it is the first chance to pull against many Russian pullers, to prove to them I’m very strong.
We have published the list of potential contestants for the TOP 16. Who would you say is missing, and who should not be on it?
For me Harold Owens should not be there, because I haven’t really heard about him and it would be great to see Mike Gould or Christian Binnie there.
Knowing the list of the opponents – how do you think you’ll fare amongst them?
I think I can be a bad ass against anyone, I can take every puller in almost every aspect.
There are a lot of rumors concerning TOP 16 floating around the Internet. What did you hear about it?
l don’t really keep in touch with Internet, but I’ve heard about it a few times.
Is TOP 16 going to witness the great return of Voyevoda? Do you think he’ll manage to stand up to the top armwrestlers?
No I don’t. Voevoda isn’t as strong as he used to be.
TOP 16 has no weight categories, it’s a sort of an OPEN tournament. Do you think it’s a fair way to choose the strongest fighter?
Yes, absolutely.
Iza Małkowska