Vitaly, your expectations were met, you got Krasimir Kostadinov as rivals of the first stage. What do you think about this?

- Yes, I wanted to get to Krasimir, because our last fight with him in 2017 at the Zloty Tur was mixed. I won the last match against him in the finals, although I lost in the preliminary ones. He was unhappy. Therefore, I would like to meet with him and solve all the issues at the table.

Do you think it will be easy for you to fight him? Why?

- I don’t think it will be easy for me to fight him. We have already met many times, sometimes he defeated me, sometimes I won. I know that he is a very strong and experienced opponent. But, of course, and I have gained more strength. But I will not underestimate him. I will prepare for the fight with Krasimir in the same way as I was preparing for Levan.

What is your advantage in the fight with Krasimir?

- My advantage is that I gained more mass and I have more strength. I improved my toproll. I think that this is precisely my advantage.

What do you think he can oppose to you?

- I think he can counter me if he hooks me. But for my part I will try not to let him do it.

Tell us about your current shape. How much do you weigh now?

- My shape is not bad now. I weigh 132 kg, I feel good in this weight. I'm training, getting ready. Every day I’m getting stronger.

Do you exercise regularly? Do you often pull at the table?

- Now I am exercising regularly, 3-4 times a week for two hours. If my hands hurt, I can skip the training. I rarely pull at the table, mostly with Dmitry Silaev, when we have some opportunity. I have no appropriate sparring partner.

Have you watched the draw of 95 kg? Which pair will be the most interesting for you?

- I did not particularly observe this draw. But matches will all be interesting. Not for nothing that all these guys got into the eight of the strongest.