Sergey, tell us, how did the world championship debut for you? Have your expectations been fulfilled?
- In general, I am very pleased with the championship, the first time at the international arena - and immediately become a two-time bronze medalist, and in this weight category, I think, it was not bad. Of course, I am maximalist and always think only of the first place, but it turned out this way. Of course, I have a lot of emotions from the trip, the organization was good, the venue was also excellent, there were also many new pleasant acquaintances, I was surprised that many already knew about me.
You had, perhaps, the most powerful category, are you satisfied with your places? Could you do better?
- The category really was very strong, and it was almost impossible to guess who from this "meat grinder" will go on a pedestal. I think I could be better, because the form was not peak, but very good. I did not have, probably, a competitive experience, because there were a lot of nuances and moments, which I was not ready for. I got a good experience, I will definitely work on bugs, and the next time I will be more prepared.
How will you evaluate your rivals in the category? Who surprised you, who was the most difficult for you?
- Of course, there were very strong guys, and weaker guys, but in any case, I came to every fight with the maximum attitude, because all the opponents for me were new, and I did not know what to expect from each of them. I do not want to and I will not single out any specific, because it was more difficult, probably, to cope with myself and you saw the result ;)
Zloty Tur is coming, are you planning to participate?
- Unfortunately, this year I again miss the Zloty Tur. Firstly, because to every training I come seriously and spend both a lot of strength and my own finances, and after the Worlds I just want to take a short pause and relax. I also understand that I'm not ready for this level a little, at least from experience, because if I'm going to the tournament, I have to be 100% sure in myself in order to fight for the main prize. And I do not care who I have to fight with.
At the Zloty Tour there will be a series of armfights, can you comment on this?
- I am confident that each participant will be set to win and no one will have a light fight. I will prepare to watch the most beautiful and spectacular struggle, which will be full of intrigue and unpredictability. And let the strongest win in these battles.