Magnus Carlsen Interview: Top Quotes on Anand, Computer Chess, Chennai, Confidence to Win!

As expected, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen took up acres of space on the Sports Pages of the Indian print media these last few days. Carlsen, with his team, was in India to inspect World Chess Championship 2013 venue for his match against World Champion Viswanathan Anand later this year. Here are some of the choicest quotes Indian journalists liked, wrote about and pushed to Page 1 of their publications:

-- I can speak for myself, and I am not part of the computer generation. I grew up with a chess board and books. (When asked if younger players such as Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Luigi Caruana, Sergey Karjakin and he are more computer-centric, as regards preparation and the way they approach the game as compared to Viswanathan Anand, Vladimir Kramnik, Boris Gelfand and others.)

-- It was a great learning experience for me. For the 2010 match against Topalov, I offered a little advice but Anand did not follow it! You will really appreciate how great a player Anand is when you interact with him (Query on working with Anand in a previous World Chess Championship event.)

-- The Russians are still a force in chess! (The last time two non-Russian-speaking players played for the World title was in 1921 with Jose Raul Capablanca versus Emmanuel Lasker in Havana, Cuba.)

-- More people in Norway are following my play and Norwegian chess players are following more keenly. On its part, the Norwegian Government is supporting the Chess Olympiad 2014 in Norway.

-- I am following it as a chess player and I don’t have any favourites. (About the ongoing FIDE World Cup in Tromso, Norway.) 

-- I respect Anand. But I don’t fear him. Am pleased with all the arrangements here.

-- Of course, I should recognise that Anand is the World Champion. He is a great player. But the kind of form he is in now gives me confidence. I have been successful in the last few outings with him. 

-- As along as I am in top shape and work on the game, I think, I have every chance to win. I am sure anyone will go into a world championship with a supreme belief that you will win. I also will come back to Chennai with the belief that everything is in my favour. 

-- I would have been more comfortable playing in my hometown, so local support would surely help Anand. The home town advantage might not be big for a chess player compared to other sportspersons, but then, I believe that Anand would be starting the match with a psychological advantage. (On choice of World Chess Championship 2013 venue.) 

-- I think any match for the world championship will be very tough. He is one of the all-time best players and he will be eager to show his game strength in his hometown, Chennai

-- If I am able to have more energy and keep my concentration, then there is all the possibility that I will win. Similarly, Anand has been in the game for a longer time and I don’t think he would be surprised by anything. He will surely be in his finest shape for the match and I will also concentrate on doing my best. 

-- He's is a special player. I hope to get the better of him. He is a great player and the world champion. Yes, it has given me confidence having been successful in our last meetings. But there will be a different Anand here (for the World Championship match).

-- I don't know (how to look at it now). What I do know is that I was not motivated to play then for various reasons. This time I was quite motivated to play the qualification and also motivated for the match. (On pulling out from the previous World Chess Championship cycle.)

-- To play well in a match is my main motivation. I'm looking forward to the match. And it's going to be a great match.

-- Kramnik has a serious reputation of being a loose cannon. So I won't read too much into his assertion of Anand. (On Kramnik recently saying Anand feared Carlsen.)

-- In general, it's perhaps more appropriate to impose fines rather than making a player forfeit the game. (FIDE Zero-Tolerance policy on reaching the board for start of play.)

-- In general I try to win... and by all means. And sometimes it's too much, sometimes I overstep. But majority of the times, it pays off. Attaining balance, I guess, is something that you have within. (Now isn't that a typical Indian metaphysical statement!?)

-- I don't know. This theory itself is a bit inflated. Both Anand and I deserve our rating. (On recent chess ratings inflation.)

-- Of course it (Toiletgate: the world chess championship 2006 cheating controversy between Veselin Topalov and Vladimir Kramnik) was not good for the game. It just got out of hand. And I genuinely hope there will be no such controversies this time. Anand always behaves correctly. Everything would be decided on the chess board and that's how it should be.

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Magnus Carlsen Video: World Chess Championship 2013 Venue Chennai Visit

Leading Indian chess videographer Vijay Kumar is known for his videos of world chess events, particularly every single one featuring World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand. Here is his video of World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and his team's visit to inspect the venue of the upcoming World Title match in Chennai, India from November 6-26. 

They say you cannot go back from India without a lasting impression and without being treated as an honoured guest. Is India going to be lucky for Carlsen?

The welcome was traditional, the arrangements up to the mark and the excitement... well, watch it for yourself! And, do keep track of all the expressions on the chess prodigy's face. 

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Chennai: Carlsen Loses Four Games in Simul; Happy with World Chess Match Venue Arrangements

Chennai, August 19: World No. 1 Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has said he is satisfied with the arrangements at the World Championship 2013 venue in Chennai for the match against World Champion Viswanathan Anand. Carlsen and his team inspected the venue today. The 22-year-old talent was accompanied by his manager Espen Agdestein and his father Henrik Carlsen.

"I am happy with the arrangements and look forward to playing against Anand. I respect him a lot," Carlsen said.

Carlsen said his November 7-28 contest against Anand will be very interesting and that it would be one of the finest matches in the history of chess. He also said he was confident of snatching the World title from Anand.

"When playing a World Championship match, you should have supreme confidence in your abilities," Carlsen said speaking to journalists here. 

In reference to the World Championship 2010 match in which Anand beat Veselin Topalov, Carlsen said he had not had any major role to play in that match. However, Carlsen said, he worked with Anand during 2007-2008 in his World Championship matches.

Carlsen did not reply to questions relating to Garry Kasparov, the role of Peter Heine Nielsen, one of Anand's major seconds all along, who quit early this year and helped Carlsen prepare for the London Candidates. 

Carlsen also refused to comment on the controversial "illness clause" in his contract for the World Chess Championship match.

"As such, Nielsen shall not have any role in this match as he has been close to both the players. Though Anand will have the advantage of playing in his home turf, his recent encounters against me have given me enough confidence," Carlsen said.

Carlsen also played a simul against 20 young talented players in the 6-17 age-group at the MOP Vaishnav College, Nungambakkam. Carlsen spent around two and a half hours in the simul winning 10 games and drawing six. Carlsen also lost to four youngsters. 

The 10-year-old FM L N Ram Aravind, multiple National Champion R Vaishali, National Under 13 Champion N R Visakh and Commonwealth Bronze medallist G Jaswant forced the World Championship Challenger to resign. Carlsen was all praise for the children. 

Aruna, Anand's wife and manager said: the World Champion was not in Chennai at the moment and hence Carlsen would return without meeting him. -- Zainab Raza Undulusi

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Magnus Carlsen Reaches Chennai 'Secretly' for World Chess Championship Venue Inspection (Updated)

Here are the first photos from World No. 1 Carlsen's Facebook page where he has posted the first photos after reaching Chennai, India on August 18.

Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen is visiting Chennai to inspect the venue of the World Chess Championship 2013 to be held from November 6-26.

He will also hold a simul in Chennai to help promote chess for children between 7 to 17 years of age. His opponents will be 20 children from the South Indian State of Tamil Nadu (of which Chennai is the capital city) who have won medals in International chess competitions.

Carlsen, in his FB post, along with the photos writes: Just arrived Chennai and got a very friendly and hospitable welcome! — in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Arriving airport in Chennai

Met by friendly people at the hotel!

The view from my hotel room

Photo captions are World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen's comments. Carlsen’s is accompanied by his father Henrik Carlsen and his manager Espen Agdestein. World Champion Viswanathan Anand's wife and manager Aruna has already inspected the World Championship venue.

Magnus Carlsen was received by FIDE vice-president from India DV Sundar, All-India Chess Federation (AICF) honorary secretary V.Hariharan, AICF CEO Bharat Singh Chauhan and Tamil Nadu State Chess Federation vice-president B.Muragavel. Carlsen is expected to fly out late August 20.

Carlsen's secret visit reported in top Norwegian newspaper nrk.no by journalist Daniel Eriksen

CHENNAI (NRK.no), Magnus Carlsen (23) was flown into the World Cup city of Chennai in the middle of the night in fear that chess fans would create chaos at the airport in India.

We were told that the landing time was strictly secret, says manager Espen Agdestein to NRK.

Photo: Daniel Eriksen / NRK

Carlsen reached Chennai Sunday at 03:30 local time with his manager, chef and father. The timing was anything but ideal, but the International Chess Federation, FIDE, thought it was absolutely necessary. "They were afraid that it would be difficult to get from the airport to the hotel if this information came out," says manager Espen Agdestein to NRK.

Photo: Daniel Eriksen / NRK

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World Chess Championship 2013 in Chennai: Has Anand already predicted Carlsen's Victory? (updated)

Photo: AICF

Did World Champion Viswanathan Anand already predict Magnus Carlsen winning the World Chess Championship 2013 title in Chennai? Here are some interesting quotes by Viswanathan Anand on Carlsen. Particular to note is what Anand said about Carlsen in 2008.

April 3, 2013 to DNA
Anand: In my opinion, Carlsen is the greatest talent I have seen. He is really unique in that sense. And that I think is absolutely huge. It will be a very, very big challenge. I understand the magnitude of my task.
...
The broad outlook of our game is similar. The prospect of facing Carlsen is a new one for me in many, many ways. I will have to figure out my strategy.

April 3, 2013 to The Indian Express

Is there a favourite going into the match?
Anand: I have to say that most people who look at the two of us will conclude that Magnus is the outright favourite. I'm cool with that. It doesn't really worry me. I'm fully aware of the magnitude of the task facing me, and Magnus' rank and rating speak for themselves. Having said that I don't feel any obligation to follow the predictions. That's what we are playing the match for. To have a chance to write our own script.

How different will this be from your previous WCC matches?
Anand: Firstly, he is not from my generation. There is a difference in age and outlook. When I played Kramnik, Topalov and Gelfand, I read them in a certain way. And even then, I thought that if I end up playing Vlady this time, it would be a different Vlady from the one I played before. Carlsen is from a different generation and he is also one of the most talented players from any generation. He will be ridiculously difficult to play against, yeah.

July 4, 2013 to The Indian Express
Anand: Carlsen has shown himself to be a resourceful and dangerous opponent, so I'll have to work really hard. I felt that the tournaments indicated a lot of problem areas, even ones I haven't mentioned or revealed. You feel some concerns at the board and it is difficult to replicate them at home. You play these tournaments and have lots of thoughts and ideas about what you want to do afterwards. That's the most I can take away from them.

The loss against Carlsen (Tal Memorial), how difficult was that to take?
Anand: That was one of the worst. Not only did I lose, I lost embarrassingly. The game was over in just a couple of hours. It was a really, really off day. It's a pity. Something clearly just went wrong and I have some idea what it is. I will work at fixing that problem, but it is one among many problems that have cropped up.

The significance of the loss?
Anand: What can I tell you... It has some significance. In the end I would say the match (world championship) begins at 0-0. I'm happy I got it over with in June rather than it happening in November. Ideally, I would have played a better game, a better tournament. A good tournament result would definitely have been better than what I had but that is life. I don't want to fret about it.

Surprisingly, Carlsen was caught out in a couple of end games (against Wang Hao and Fabiano Caruana) this year, his supposed strength. What did you make of it?
Not only were these tournaments an experience for me, but for him as well. I have a lot of material to work on, a lot of material from my games and a lot from his. I noticed some of the things you've mentioned but I'll have to take a much more complete look and spend a lot of time on that.

January 10, 2008 to Spiegel

In recent times the Norwegian Magnus Carlsen has been in the headlines. He is seventeen and at the beginning of the month he was, for five days, the number one in the unofficial world rankings. How good is he?
Anand: He will sooner or later become World Champion. I like him, he is a Monty Python fan, just like me.

We don't know what notes about Monty Python the two have been exchanging lately, but this is for sure. Chennai is Carlsen's best shot yet. Carlsen will have to win the 2014 World Championship candidates if he loses in Chennai and wants to try a crack at the top title once again. Winning the 2014 World Championship Candidates might not be easy second time in a row for Carlsen considering the line-up! 

Anand and Carlsen are sure to showcase their best in Chennai. If Carlsen were to win, Anand would be happy enough to pass on his mantle to a worthy candidate whose success he himself has predicted. If Anand were to retain his title, chess fans would know the next chess generation has not arrived!




Post this article we received following tweet. Thereafter is our answer. Don't forget to vote (in the sidebar on right) on who do you think will win

EastMidlandsChess ‏@EMidlandsChess 2h
@bandwindia Happy to build up expectations on Carlsen? Is Anand underdog, despite his wealth of WCC Match experience? 

Chess Magazine B&W ‏@bandwindia 1h
@EMidlandsChess nt buildin hype. Anand has achieved all. One day he will pass on the title. Q: Is it now? :) 

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World Chess Championship 2014 Candidates: Who Could be the Players?

Destiny has thus decided: Once friends, now rivals, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen will take on World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand in Chennai this November. But, what about the rest of the chess elite? They will have to now focus on the eight-player World Championship Candidate matches of 2014. It's not that early to think about the Candidates 2014, is it?

The loser of the Chennai World Championship 2013 match automatically gets a slot in the World Championship Candidate matches of 2014. Levon Aronian and Vladimir Kramnik are the other two who already have a slot because of their top ratings. The FIDE statue defines this as: The next two highest rated players who played in the Chess World Cup 2013 or the FIDE Grand Prix 2012–2013 (average FIDE rating on the 12 monthly lists from August 2012 to July 2013). Then, the organisers of the Candidates would get a wild card entry option. Since it is already rumoured that the Candidates 2014 could be in Russia, maybe Sergey Karjakin would get the organisers' wild card slot.

The World Chess Cup being held in Norway with a field of 128, in Tromso, Norway, from 10th August to 3rd September will offer the top two an entry into the World Championship 2014 Candidates as well. The FIDE World Chess Cup (World Cup) is an integral part of the World Championship Cycle 2012-2014.

Also, the six-event Grand Prix will offer two more candidates. After the already-played fifth leg in Beijing, Veselin Topalov has won the Grand Prix and qualified to the Candidates. One more Grand Prix event is left to be played in Paris in September. This would give the other candidate from among Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Fabiano Caruana, or Alexander Grischuk who all have a chance of qualifying if they pull off a clear win in Paris.

After the Candidates 2014, we would know who would challenge the winner of the Anand - Carlsen match. But, that's a long way off. First, onwards ho to the Anand-Carlsen World Chess Championship 2013 at the seaside venue of Chennai.

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Two-Days' Casual Leave Option for Carlsen: World Chess Championship Organisers

Has a special clause been added in the World Chess Championship 2013 contract to allow the players a two-day 'leave of absence' from 'work' due to illness?

A report in the Indian newspaper Deccan Chronicle states: After a delay of two months and the inclusion of an illness clause in the terms and conditions, World No.1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway and five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand of India signed the contract on Tuesday for the world chess championship match that is slated to take place in Chennai from November 7 to 28 this year.

World Chess Championship Venue: 

Hyatt Regency Chennai, India

“For the first time in a world chess championship match, we have introduced an illness clause that states that a player can take two days off if he falls sick,” a source told Deccan Chronicle, adding that the players were expected to sign the contract long ago.

“Mails went back and forth between the players, organisers and Fide before it was finally settled on Tuesday.” 

In fact, the one fear that most players and top Grandmasters have expressed about the World Chess Championship venue being in Chennai is that Carlsen might not be able to cope with the food and heat in India. Carlsen's team - during the World Championship - is going to include a chef. Carlsen has never travelled to India before and is totally unfamiliar with the climate and conditions. What makes it even more tricky is that the weather conditions in Chennai are 'polar' opposite to that of any city in his home country of Norway.

The clause has possibly been added to allay any fears Team Carlsen may have about playing in India. Chennai is Viswanathan Anand's home city. It is unlikely that the clause has been added on the World Champion's request!

However, if Carlsen would be staying in his hotel and not venturing out during the match, it is unlikely that he would be affected by the weather. The Hyatt Regency - venue of the World Chess Championship 2013 - in Chennai, offers world-class facilities. 

Carlsen is visiting Chennai next week to inspect Hyatt Regency, the venue for his match against Anand. During his maiden trip to India, he is scheduled to play simultaneous chess with young players at MOP Vaishnav College on Monday. The Norwegian may meet the Tamil Nadu chief minister on Tuesday before he flies back home on the same day. Carlsen will be accompanied by his manager Espen Agdestein. 

Viswanathan Anand's wife and manager Aruna has already inspected the tournament venue. 

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World Chess Championship Challenger Magnus Carlsen's new Sponsors: Nordic Semiconductor

Magnus Carslen, the youngest ever chess world number 1, shakes hands on a three-year sponsorship deal with Nordic Semiconductor CEO Svenn-Tore Larsen (right). Photo: Moment Studio

Described as 'a perfect match' by Nordic Semiconductor's CEO, Svenn-Tore Larsen, the leading manufacturer of ultra low power wireless technology teams up with the world's number one chess player.

Oslo, Norway 2013/08/13: Ultra low power (ULP) RF specialist Nordic Semiconductor ASA (OSE: NOD) today announces it is sponsoring Magnus Carlsen, the youngest player to be ranked number one in world chess and the highest ranking points holder in the history of the game, in a three-year deal.

Norwegian Carlsen rose to the top of the world rankings in January 2010, just after his 19th birthday. In December 2012, Carlsen broke the 13-year ranking point record held by Gary Kasparov by gaining 2861 Elo rating system points against Kasparov's best of 2851. He has so far peaked at a record high of 2872, earning him the right to be called the best player in chess history. In 2013, Time magazine ranked Carlsen among the 100 most influential people in the world. Carlsen takes on the reigning world champion, Vishy Anand, in a 12-match playoff for the world championship title in Chennai, India, later this year.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor Magnus Carlsen. His presence will boost staff motivation and help us recruit the best people, but we will gain much more than that from this exciting association," says Nordic's CEO, Svenn-Tore Larsen. "The core value of this sponsorship is the ability of Magnus to act as a Nordic ambassador and open doors at the very highest level. He has access to people and events normally reserved for dignitaries such as Presidents."

With the signing of the Nordic deal, Carlsen has completed his sponsorship portfolio. "We kept one sponsorship position open for a while in order to find the best partner," comments Carlsen's manager Espen Agdestein. "For Magnus it`s not just a question of money, but of finding sponsors with values and beliefs that he can relate to."

"There are great benefits to our brand in the association with Magnus," adds Svenn-Tore Larsen. "Just like him, Nordic has succeeded in a very competitive global sector. While Magnus' business is chess and Nordic's is ultra low power wireless technology, both have to be continuously creative, while still being totally reliable. There is no room for mistakes in either environment."

Carlsen is enthusiastic about the partnership. "Nordic is the leading company in a market that is about to boom, with a cascade of new products and services being developed all over the world," he comments. "I look forward to being part of this revolution."

Having succeeded in pioneering the ultra low power wireless technology sector with its proprietary technology, Nordic Semiconductor was part of the group that developed Bluetooth® low energy, a hallmark element of the Bluetooth v4.0 Core specification. The company has also collaborated with ANT Wireless of Cochrane, Canada--the company behind ANT RF protocol software and ANT+ Managed Networks--for over a decade.

The latest smartphones from major manufacturers incorporate chips and software supporting Bluetooth v4.0 or ANT+ that can communicate with Bluetooth Smart devices or ANT+ peripherals equipped with Nordic's nRF51 Series Systems-on-Chip. (See "About nRF51 Series" below). This functionality is yielding many new opportunities for wirelessly-connected products, powered by coin cell batteries, such as handset accessories, sports & fitness monitors, and toys. (See "About Bluetooth low energy wireless technology" and "About Nordic ANT wireless connectivity" below.)

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St Louis before Chennai: Carlsen to Check World Chess Championship Prep?

GM Magnus Carlsen looks on as GM Hikaru Nakamura contemplates his next move at the London Chess Classic in 2012. Image Courtesy Ray Morris-Hill: www.rmhphoto.eu.

There is just one more chess outing lined up for the World No. 1 before he heads off to the World Championship venue of Chennai. It is St Louis.  

For the first time ever, World Championship challenger GM Magnus Carlsen will play a high-profile tournament in the United States.

The World’s No. 1 ranked chess player on the planet will take on three other top-ten players in Saint Louis this September when he joins GMs Levon Aronian, Hikaru Nakamura and Gata Kamsky for the Sinquefield Cup, a four-player, double round robin scheduled to be held at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis (CCSCSL) September 9-15.

In November, Carlsen will challenge GM Viswanathan Anand of India for the World Chess Championship title. CCSCSL Executive Director Tony Rich said this event marks an important milestone for U.S. chess.

“We are honored to bring the world’s best chess player to Saint Louis this September,” Rich said. “Hosting an event of this magnitude is yet another sign that the U.S. is becoming a major player in the world chess scene.”

Carlsen and Aronian currently sit atop the world rankings at No. 1 and 2, respectively, while Nakamura and Kamsky hold the No. 1 and 2 spots in the U.S.

The average FIDE rating for the field is over 2800, making it the strongest tournament in the history of the U.S. The opening ceremony will take place on September 8, and round 1 will begin at 1 p.m. CT on Monday, September 9.

The Sinquefield Chess Cup, which will feature a prize fund of $170,000, is named after the founders of the CCSCSL, Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield. The Sinquefields were each honored by the U.S. Chess Federation with a Gold Koltanowski award in 2012, with Rex also earning the distinction in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The award is given to the person or persons who have done the most to promote chess in the U.S. each year.

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World Chess Championship 2013 Venue: What FIDE, Carlsen, AICF, Anand and Everyone Said!

The World Chess Championship 2013 venue was decided after quite a few twists and turns. There was quite a bit of uncertainty over Chennai as the venue for the eagerly-awaited World Chess Championship match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen after the World No 1 player from Norway expressed unhappiness with the FIDE's choice of venue.

FIDE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with All India Chess Federation and Tamil Nadu State Association for holding the World Championship match in Chennai, the home city of World Champion Viswanathan Anand stating that India had been offered to host the event last year itself when Russia had outbid India for hosting the Anand - Boris Gelfand World Chess Championship 2012 in Moscow.

It was feared that Carlsen's might refuse to sign the contract. According to Carlsen's agent, Espen Agdestein, they were not happy that the MoU was signed without following a bidding process as described in the FIDE regulations for the World Championship match. Agdestein said there should be an open bidding process and a neutral venue for the match and that the world body should have a dialogue with both players before arriving at a final decision.

There were rumours about a preferred World Chess Championship 2013 venue being New York, Miami, St Tropez, Paris and Tromso. The Norwegian town is already hosting the 2013 World Chess Cup and the 2014 World Team Olympiad.
 

Later, Norwegian Chess Federation president Jøran Aulin-Jansson even sent an open letter as a "formal complaint" to FIDE on the selection of Chennai as the venue for the 2013 World Chess Championship match. The letter called for a "fair and transparent procedure and competition for the selection of the organiser" while emphasising that the letter was not a campaign against the organisers in Chennai.

Soon thereafter, the French Chess Federation approached FIDE to have Paris as the World Chess Championship 2013 venue. "FFE, in collaboration with the City of Paris, on behalf of a group of private companies, is a candidate for organising the World Chess Championship 2013. The presidential office of FIDE, which will meet this weekend, should address the problem of opening a tender for this match. In fact, after the Match was given to Chennai (India), Carlsen and the Norwegian Chess Federation have officially requested that the game takes place in a neutral country," stated a press release supported by Mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoe and French chess federation president Philippe Mouttou. 

Finally, FIDE went ahead and signed a contract with the All India Chess Federation (AICF) to have Chennai as the venue of the World Chess Championship 2013 match. In a press release dated ay 6, 2013, FIDE defended the choice of Chennai as venue stating, "Since the Candidates’ Tournament ended, and GM M. Carlsen became the challenger of the coming World Championship Match there have been several developments, mails exchange between all parties (Carlsen, Anand, FIDE), questions asked, and also speculations. 

"FIDE would hereby like to put forward the current situation regarding this event.

Directly after the 2012 match was awarded to Moscow, FIDE agreed to grant an option to Chennai. The PB and its meeting in Armenia in January decided that FIDE and AGON, who holds the rights for organizing the whole cycle of the World Championship, were advised that India would take up its option organize the World Championship match. This was done on January 24 in Athens, where both parties agreed not to open a bidding procedure, but to grant an option to India, as requested. We should emphasize that according FIDE rules the World Championship cycle is not included in the list of events, for which FIDE is obliged to do so (like Olympiads, for instance). This has been deliberately done, because in many cases FIDE, having the priority in mind to secure the match and the cycle, was ready to give an option or even to grant the match if the proposal was attractive enough.

"Consequently three of the last matches were given to an organizer without a bidding procedure.

"On March 15th India asked to extend the option until April 10th and FIDE agreed to it because it was clear that the bid would be accepted and just needed an approval of the Tamil Nadu State Parliament, a session which took place on April 8th. One could ask why was the extension given to a date when the name of the challenger will be known already, and the simple answer is that FIDE, being convinced that the positive answer was just a matter of technicality, did not want to lose this bid for an alternative that gave no guarantee for a better result or any result at all.

"When the approval of the bid by India was published and FIDE representative was called to formalize it, on April 8th, GM Carlsen’s manager contacted FIDE and asked to have a meeting to discuss this matter before a formal move is done with India.

"Carlsen and FIDE’s representatives met in FIDE office on April 15th, when all claims were brought up by Carlsen’s representatives and were answered by FIDE. Among the points raised and answered we would like to emphasize one and this is the issue which was also raised in media – the question of neutrality. Unfortunately it has always proved difficult to find a sponsor to such a match when the name of the challenger is not known yet. Therefore most of matches in the past were organized in one of the participant’s countries. Consequently both World Champions Anand and Topalov played in their opponent’s country – a natural result of the situation.
"On that day both parties signed a paper whereby it was agreed to give Norway an option to come up with an organizer for half of the match, provided that India would accept such a solution.

"FIDE tried its hardest to convince India to split the match, but they refused India wanted to fulfill what has been approved by the government of the Tamil Nadu State and FIDE had to keep its obligations, and consequently an MoU was signed in Chennai on April 19th. One day later, the FIDE President visited France, where he got a proposal to organize the match in Paris. Mr Ilyumzhinov promised to bring the proposal before the Presidential Board. The French proposal was higher than the Chennai one, with more contributions offered. However, the Board decided (unanimously with one abstention) that FIDE must respect its obligation and thanked the French federation and the city of Paris for their proposal, hoping that there will be another opportunity to have a big event in Paris.

"FIDE has acted with full transparency during the whole process, trying its best to secure the match and standing by its obligations and reputation. FIDE will do everything to secure equal conditions for both players and also will try and still trying to increase the prize fund for the match.

FIDE wishes these two great players a successful match, and is sure that India, the homeland of Chess will bring to the world a fascinating event. Gens Una Sumus."

Magnus Carlsen smiles during a press conference in Oslo. --AP

It was feared, World No. 1 might refuse to play. However, he said he was determined. Carlsen issued a statement stating:

"After qualifying for the World Championship match by winning the London Candidates I have been highly motivated for, and looking forward to the World Championship match against reigning champion V. Anand.
"I’m deeply disappointed and surprised by the FIDE decision to sign a contract for the 2013 match without going through the bidding process outlined in the WC regulations, and for not choosing neutral ground. The bid from Paris clearly showed that it would be possible to have more options to choose from.The lack of transparency, predictability and fairness is unfortunate for chess as a sport and for chess players.

"My team and I will now start preparing for the match. The main thing now will be to come to an agreement with the Indian Chess Federation and FIDE regarding terms and conditions before and during the match. I really hope this process will run quick and smoothly.

"Lastly, I will not let the news from Baku diminish the joy and excitement derived from playing the top level Norway Chess tournament starting tomorrow."

So, Chennai it is - the venue of the World Chess Championship 2013 match. Hopefully, no one will be disappointed and the chess world will savour excellent chess from the two of the best chess Grandmasters there ever were in the world. (P.S. Viswanathan Anand, for his part, steered clear of the controversy hinting he was open to playing anywhere.)

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Beating Anand Not Easy, But Carlsen Has his Chances: Former World Chess Champion Anatoly Karpov

Former World Chess Champion Anatoly Karpov of Russia has said beating Viswanathan Anand is not an easy task but, Magnus Carlsen has his chances - in fact, the chance of his life! Karpov was speaking to journalists ahead of the opening of the World Chess Cup 2013 in Tromsø , Norway on Friday. 

"The whole world is waiting for this match with a great interest... Magnus has achieved many big successes... he is young, he has good age. I think he is in the best age to become World Champion. Anand is very experienced and he is the world champion for many years already. He was also a young star and became known already when he was 16. At least I met him for the first time at this age. So, he is well-prepared. This is not an easy task to beat Anand, but Magnus has chances."

"Magnus will have some problems with climate and food: less with climate, more with food. He has to be very careful, but these are besides chess. As to chess, he must show his best form, he must be well-prepared. I think he has knowledge and the time he was working with Kasparov, I don't know if they still work together, gave him a good understanding of what is the fight for the world title: this is absolutely different from any other even the strongest tournament: it has special character, special atmosphere."

Karpov said he would advise Carlsen, "Just to make right estimation of his own strengths and weaknesses and the weaknesses and strong points of the opponent." (You can watch the original video on msn Norwegian site by clicking on the photo above.)

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I Expect Viswanathan Anand to be in Top Form: Magnus Carlsen

OSLO, Aug 8 (By Gwladys Fouche/Reuters) - World chess number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway is relaxed ahead of his challenge later this year for the world champion crown against reigning titleholder Viswanathan Anand of India.

Slouched on a couch and fiddling with the zipper of his purple hoodie, the chess wonderboy is confident he will win the one title that has eluded him when he meets Anand in Chennai, India, on November 6-26.

"It has been a while since I went into a game with losing as an option," the 22-year-old, dubbed the "Mozart of chess" because like Mozart he was a virtuoso from a young age, told Reuters in an interview.

Carlsen became the world's number one at age 19, the youngest player ever to do so. A grandmaster since he was 13, he has the highest rating in the history of the game, ahead of chess great Garry Kasparov's 1999 record.

The world number-one ranking is determined by a mathematical system that uses match results to determine an individual's playing strength - much like the ATP ranking for tennis.

Kasparov, who coached Carlsen, has described him as a once-in-a-generation talent.

And genius player he may be, but like most young men, he also is concerned about his social life, about going out and having fun.

He usually gets up around midday and works short hours. "I
can't concentrate for more than three hours. So I might work for
maybe one and half hours a day. But it will still work in my
head afterwards," he said.

 

On Facebook he describes himself as an athlete. In person he
wears washed-out, torn jeans and trainers. He once modeled for
Dutch fashion brand G-Star Raw with U.S. actress Liv Tyler.

Asked whether it was easy for him to meet women in Norway,
Carlsen said: "It is. It helps to be well known."

TORMENTING OPPONENTS

As a player, Carlsen is deemed to be equally strong no matter what challenges come his way on the chess board.

His mental prowess and physical fitness afford him the stamina to torment his opponents for hours until they finally make a mistake. Carlsen rarely makes any tangible errors.

Unlike Kasparov, famous for his strong and aggressive opening play, Carlsen strives to get a playable position from the opening with many pieces left on the board - confident that he can outplay his opponent in the middle-game or endgame. In the later stages of the game, his play is almost flawless.

 

Carlsen will need all of his skills against Anand in Chennai and is already in training. He is surrounding himself with three to four players to play against - he won't say whom - as well as a support group, including his father, to motivate him.

In July he played tennis and beach volleyball with former professional athletes, as part of a training camp he set up at a resort in southern Norway.

"This will give me an advantage because at the end of amatch, you are very tired. If you feel good and strong, youconcentrate better," he said.

Later this month Carlsen will tour Chennai to familiarise himself with its sights and sounds. He also will play some tournaments, unlike Anand, who says he will solely focus on training.

Carlsen is considered a favourite to win: he beat the Indian in June in their last encounter. But he does not underestimate his rival.

"It will depend on which Anand I get on the day. Will it bethe great Anand of 2008? Or will it be the terrible one?
"I expect him to be on top form. An Anand in top form hassharp tactics, great strength and a great understanding of the game."

(Additional reporting by Oskar von Bahr in Budapest; Editing by

Michael Roddy) -- Copyright © 2013, Reuters/Photos: Carlsen FB page posts on training at the Kragerø Resort.)

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World Chess Championship Prep: Carlsen, Jon Ludvig Hammer, Fressinet Video

World Chess Championship 2013 Preparation: There is not much news coming from World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand. However, the challenger, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen has posted interesting photos and even a video on his Facebook page about his preparation for the 'Big Match' to be held in Chennai from November 6-26. Carlsen is preparing with the help of Grandmasters Jon Ludvig Hammer and Laurent Fressinet at the Kragerø Resort.

What's the special reason Carlsen has chosen this resort to prepare for the World Chess Championship in Chennai? The beautiful town of Kragerø is surrounded by islands and skerries and provides a beautiful experience of coastal life and culture of Southern Norway. 

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