Anand to Indian Media: This time World Chess Championship Match vs Carlsen will be Different

Dear chess friends, former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand beat Magnus Carlsen in their clash at the World Rapid Chess Championship 2014 in Dubai and also drew their game in the World Blitz Chess Championship 2014 which concluded recently.
It was a treat for chess fans to actually have both the players paired twice against each other - once in both the events. That was quite against the odds. Anand's win in the Rapid game set twitter on fire. Already everyone was talking about the Anand - Carlsen World Chess Championship clash later this year. 




Here are some quotes from an interesting interview Anand gave to Indian newspaper Times of India after the Rapid and Blitz World Chess Championships. 

Even though you had to settle for the bronze, what was the feeling like after beating Carlsen. How would you evaluate both your own and his performance?

It was an important win and the game was complicated. I had to play a lot of waiting moves and execute it perfectly. I was keen to play in Dubai mainly because it had been long since I had played rapid and blitz. I would say I started a bit slowly but I was happy with my play.

If the Candidates win was like oxygen, how important was this win over Carlsen ahead of a World Championship rematch?

I would say I was happy that I took the chance and was able to execute the win. I went without a loss in such a strong field.

Have you mentally immersed yourself in preparation for the November duel and what do you think you need to do differently this time?

Well it's inevitable, of course I am already thinking about the match. It will be different that's all I can say.

Your thoughts on the reduced budget for the rematch...

We still do not have the full details so I wouldn't want to start speculating.

Are you expecting help from unexpected quarters, much like your match against Topalov (Both Kasparov and Kramnik came to the Indian's aid) in 2010?

They know where to reach me (smiles). But I don't think it's ethical to talk about it.

After playing for so many years and being at the top, what keeps you going?

I don't look back or look forward. I just look at the game to play. When someone says you are a legend, I don't realise they are talking about me. When you start thinking about yourself as a great you stop growing as a player. I play because I want to win and I train because even after so many years I still feel there is still so much chess to play and discover.

What are the best and worst part about preparing for a World Championship match?

It's hard work, mentally, physically emotionally. And it's not just you but your team and family as well who also live the same intensity. It's tough being away from my son Akhil and wife Aruna. Thanks to technology though it's feasible to catch up with them.

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