World Chess Championship 2013 Viswanathan Anand vs Magnus Carlsen at Chennai Hyatt Regency
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Thursday, November 28, 2013

Chess has become Cool: Nigel Short Summary of Anand, Carlsen Chennai World Chess Championship

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Thursday, November 28, 2013


British Grandmaster (and lots more) Nigel Short's summary of the Anand - Carlsen Chennai World Chess Championship 2013, courtesy Indian Express.  
A champion of his time


Nigel Short

At Chennai, as Carlsen outplayed Anand, the dignified but staid image of the game changed.

As the dust settles on the Viswanathan Anand versus Magnus Carlsen match in Chennai — the biggest chess clash since Bobby Fischer vs Boris Spassky in 1972 — it is time to reflect upon its impact. The immense interest, both in India and abroad, of this most cerebral of jousts, belies the pessimist's view that chess requires Cold War rivalry to be marketable. Indians proudly cheered, and sometimes even prayed, in huge numbers, for their mighty warrior. Alas, it was always going be an unforgiving task for Anand — at almost 44, the oldest World Champion in half a century — to cling on to his crown against someone half his age and already the highest-rated player in history. Time and tide tarries for no man.

Carlsen's victory gives succour to the countless enthusiasts who feared that modern chess was becoming an ever-accelerating arms-race of computer engine analysis. It is hard to recall any World Championship match that has been so bereft of theoretical novelties, as the young Norwegian constantly sought to sidestep Anand's renowned preparation by going down less travelled paths. His simple philosophy was, in essence, "Give me an equal position that you have not studied with a computer and I will outplay you." Call it cocky, if you will, but he was right. Twice, in games five and six, he defeated Anand with the slenderest of endgame advantages, defying the expectations of even the finest experts. It simply does not do credit to Carlsen to say that Anand just blundered. He blundered — yes — but only because he was subjected to constant, nagging pressure. To use a cricketing analogy, Carlsen's style most resembles that of Glenn McGrath — unspectacular, but extraordinarily accurate and effective. Only once did Anand seek to drastically alter the course of the match — in game nine, when he was already on the verge of defeat. From the first move he sought to gain the upper hand by striving for complications. It was the correct strategy and was nearly successful, as he built up an imposing attack. Anand must have felt he had an excellent position. But first, he dithered slightly with an unnecessary rook exchange, and then spent 40 minutes looking for a forced win where none existed. Faced with a resolute, calm defence and the knowledge that the title was ebbing from him, Anand cracked first with a hideous and uncharacteristic howler.

It would be tempting to now predict a lengthy reign for Carlsen. He is well-balanced, from a good family and not in the least bit weird. He is still ridiculously young, but has already dominated the chess world for the past few years. Yet, while I consider the above prognosis to be the most plausible, the example of Vladimir Kramnik, who defeated the legendary Garry Kasparov in 2000, provides a cautionary note. The lack of motivation, bordering on apathy, combined with an unpleasant illness (arthritis), meant that the Russian's play nose-dived in the years following his scaling of the highest summit. With his health recovered, he has, arguably, only relatively recently regained the drive and form he once possessed. Indeed, after playing superbly at the London Candidates back in March, he was edged out of another World Championship match by Carlsen with the slenderest of margins — on tiebreak. Of Carlsen's most likely challengers in 2014, I would say that Kramnik, despite his ripe age (38), will give him the hardest time. Another tough opponent will be the world number two, Levon Aronian (31) from Armenia — although I would still back Carlsen to fend off either threat. Beyond that short horizon, one must look to the next generation — such as Hikaru Nakamura from America (who, on Twitter, perhaps not entirely jokingly, refers to Carlsen as "Sauron" — the evil, all-seeing eye from Lord of the Rings), Fabiano Caruana from Italy, or maybe Sergey Karjakin from Russia.

Undoubtedly the most exciting thing about the Chennai match is the palpable feeling that the dignified but slightly staid image of the game has abruptly changed. With a young, G-Star Raw model as World Champion, chess has become cool. It is suddenly reaching new audiences that had been hitherto untouched by its esoteric beauty. This was most graphically demonstrated by the Norwegian schoolgirls who famously undressed for Carlsen in a moment of patriotic fervour. More seriously, countless international media outlets, that have previously neglected chess, have this time covered the drama in Tamil Nadu.

India may be mourning the loss of a great champion but, when the tears have dried, people will remember that Anand has inspired an entire generation of chess players. The country has gone from being mediocre to being a powerhouse in a few decades, for which he can take much of the credit. As yet, no one is quite ready to step into his shoes but, given the extraordinary and increasing strength and depth of Indian chess, it is surely only a short matter of time. 

Magnus Carlsen dominated from the Start: BBC Video

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog
Here is the cool BBC video on Magnus Carlsen winning the World Chess Championship title by beating Viswanathan Anand in Chennai recently.




Congratulations, Magnus!

Last updated: 22.11.2013 // The Embassy of Norway warmly congratulates the new Chess World Champion, Magnus Carlsen, on winning the World Chess Championship, held in Chennai.

The young champion has also truly managed to put Norway on the map in India, perhaps as never before. He has excelled as an Ambassador for his country both in India and around the world as a fantastic player and sportsman that we are very proud of.

We would also like to pay our respect to Viswanathan Anand, for his play and great sportsmanship, for his contributions to chess internationally and in his own country over many years.

The Embassy would like to extend a big thank you to the organizers and to the government of Tamil Nadu, led by Chief Minister Ms J. Jayalalithaa, for their kind hospitality and for making the championship a most successful event.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Chess Olympiad 2014 in Tromsø, the Arctic City of Northern Norway. Thus the games will continue, now with even stronger ties of friendship between Norway and India.

Eivind S. Homme
Ambassador


* The Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi credits the photo to Magnus Carlsen's official website.
* His Excellency Eivind S. Homme's biography is here.

World No. 1, and now World Chess Champion, Magnus Carlsen received a huge welcome by journalists and fans at the Oslo airport in Norway on Wednesday evening (India time 6.30 pm). The Qatar Airways flight carrying the young talent and his team was greeted with water cannons - a salute employed last time in 2009, in Norway, when singer and violinist Alexander Rybak reached after winning the Eurovision Song Contest.

"It's great to be home. I really appreciate that there is such a huge crowd here," he said in a brief press conference. "I'm already looking forward to defending the title, no matter who the opponent is." 

For the immediate future, he added, "I'm just going to sleep and relax." 

Here is a video by Ruptly, an international video news agency headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Launched in 2012. (More videos, updates later)


International comedian Michael Kosta of Fox Sports Discusses Why you Should Date Chess World Champion Magnus Carlsen! Was this just the article you were waiting for? Stop being a pawn in love, date the King, suggests Michael Kosta! Too funny!


Comedian Michael Kosta (official website) lends his trademark banter to the conversation each day on Crowd Goes Wild. Known primarily for his humor and sarcastic wit, Kosta also brings a sports background to the FOX Sports family. He played tennis professionally and at the University of Illinois, where he won four Big Ten championships, and was an assistant tennis coach at the University of Michigan.

Viswanathan Anand: A Victim of his own Hubris?

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog
Sumit Chakraberty is the author of 'Master Laster: What They Don't Tell You About Sachin Tendulkar' (This article first appeared in The Economic Times)

On hindsight, it seems apparent that Viswanathan Anand should have taken more of an initiative at the very outset of his world championship match with Magnus Carlsen in Chennai. He quickly forced a draw with black pieces in the first game, and then opted for a queen exchange and another quick draw when Carlsen surprised him with the Caro Kann defence in the second game. Even in the third game, which seemed to be developing into the sort of complexity in the middle that Anand relishes, he chose a risk-free line when a pawn sacrifice was offered.

Carlsen appeared uncharacteristically vulnerable in that first quarter of the championship. But Anand could not pounce on that unexpected vulnerability, because his own strategy was to put safety first, and avoid risks. In fact, from game four onwards, he seemed quite willing to be drawn into long end games, which is known to be Carlsen's strength.

A five-time world champion does not play like that, especially at the start of a championship, unless that is what he had planned. Even at the end, after everything had gone horribly wrong, Anand never admitted that his risk-free strategy was wrong; he only said he had failed in its execution. So what could Anand have been thinking?

Carlsen is not too hot on opening theory, nor does he set much store by complicated middle games with too many pieces. His preferred route to a kill is an endgame that stretches for hours until his victim succumbs to relentless pressure or makes a mistake out of sheer mental exhaustion.

But what if somebody as good as Anand could withstand that pressure and not make mistakes in endgame after endgame? Would it then be Carlsen who would eventually get frustrated and crack, or be forced to try a different tack where he is less sure of himself ? For somebody who has been world champion for so many years, it is natural to back oneself to concentrate and play error-free chess, especially in the simplified positions of an endgame, however long it stretched. Why should the world champion be the one to open himself to counterattack by risky play in the middle game, while the challenger sat back and played solid, safe chess?

Ultimately, Anand was a victim of this self-belief. He did not take his age or fitness into account. He also discounted his erratic play in the last year or so, and Carlsen's immaculate record for over two years during which he was rated the No.1 player in the world. If he had factored all that in, he would have happily risked going into uncharted territory in the middle game when Carlsen deliberately made sub-optimal moves to disturb Anand's prepared lines of play. In fact, he came close to beating Carlsen only in Game 9 when he went on a risky all-out attack in desperation.

Anand may still have lost if he had taken more risks from the beginning, but at least his strategy would have reflected selfawareness, rather than being in denial about the reality of his own age and his rival's No.1 status. The deposed champion has won hearts over the years with his humility, but may have succumbed to his own hubris in the end.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Magnus Carlsen: I can Relax a bit as World No. 1 is also World Chess Champion Now and do What I do Best!

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Magnus Carlsen Interview: One of the first, and delightful, interviews conducted with the World No. 1 was by Susan Ninan for Times of India.

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway in Chennai. (Official website)

CHENNAI: The crown sits pretty, so does the newly-coronated king's charm. Magnus Carlsen is a picture of earnest patience as he braved questions by the dozen and posed almost endlessly for shutterbugs, all with the lopsided smile in place. Two days after his title conquest, the 22 year-old Norwegian spoke on a range of topics, from why he chose not to reveal his seconds, what he has learnt from Anand to why the five-time Indian champion does not figure among his favourites to turn challenger. Excerpts...
On whether the match ended earlier than he expected...

I thought it was hard at the start. In the first game, Vishy introduced novelty in a really obscure line and when I was discussing the game with him afterwards I was very impressed with everything he'd seen and how fast he had been thinking. I thought to myself that if he's prepared even in this line, how am I ever going to catch him off guard? But fortunately it turned out that he was also a bit nervous after a few games and I settled in and dominated the match.

On why Anand does not figure (Carlsen had recently named Aronian and Kramnik) among those he feels could be his next challenger...

Firstly, Vishy will have to figure out if he would want to play in the Candidates tournament. Although he's an all-time great player, his results lately have not been too good and he'll need some time to readjust to be able to come back. It all depends on him now. He needs to figure some things out and if he manages to keep his motivation after this match he will still be a force to reckon with. Right now though I don't think he's the biggest favourite at the Candidates.

On what he's learnt from Anand...

To be honest I've learnt a lot from him in the past, both playing against him and especially while training with him. Just the kind of positions that he understands, the way he would just outplay me like no one else did in several kinds of positions. Also the precision with which he analyses games and positions has been an eye-opener. In this match I showed him in a way that although he's taught me many things in the past, it's probably now my turn to teach him. So, it's safe to say I've surpassed him now.

On whether all his strategies worked against Anand and how much of a role age and psychology played...

The main objective in my preparation was to get a playable position and not to come under any great pressure from the opening. I managed to equalise the game from the opening especially with black pieces and was able to push and outplay him in the rest of the games. Age was partly a factor. I could also sense that he was nervous and vulnerable. But regardless of everything else, he just lost to a better player.

On whether next year's title match is already on his mind...

Yes, I'm already thinking about it. It is also a reason why I have not spoken much about my current seconds since they could be part of my team then as well. I have the lead in world rankings and the title as well now. I don't think it's my duty to think who will play against me, it should in fact be the other way round. My opponents will have to figure out how to deal with me. I think I will be the man to beat for quite some time now.

On whether he believes the 12-game format is the right way to go about the title contest...

Anything between 12-16 games is fine. More than that would not be ideal in the modern era.

On what the title means to him and the responsibilities of being a world chess champion...

I've been ranked number 1 in the world for sometime now, but it always has been a bit of a burden not having the world title. It means a great deal to have won it finally and is a dream come true. So I can relax a bit now and do what I do best. As far as responsibilities are concerned, I just need to do what I've been doing so far.

On whom he owes his win to...
My family especially my father, team and seconds. They have attended to all my requests, no matter how unreasonable those might have been. My seconds have worked hard and have not slept well so that I would be well prepared. They actually worked harder than I asked them to!


World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen has landed in Oslo. Watch Live Right now on NRK TV (can you spot him - swamped by fans and media?) He is signing autographs and taking media questions at the same time!

The World Chess Champion takes on question after question with fantastic aplomb.



Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Chess TV Exclusive: World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen speaks to Anastasiya Karlovich

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Tuesday, November 26, 2013
World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen speaks to Anastasiya Karlovich in an exclusive interview for Chess TV: (http://chesstv.ru/) - первый в мире шахматный телеканал с круглосуточным вещанием и большим количеством прямых трансляций с крупнейших турниров (premier channel of the world of chess relaying chess programmes and principal tournaments).
 
Amul gets the final say on the Chennai World Chess Championship 2013 Viswanathan Anand versus Magnus Carlsen. One look at the cartoon and you're not really that sad about it all!


 You didn't miss this earlier one, did you? (and our earlier post Pattaya Kelappu Thala)


Amul, with the tag line, 'The taste of India' is well known for funny and witty ads featuring the famous 'Amul girl'. Their advertisements are a tradition in themselves featuring the most-talked about event of the week in India. Amul is an Indian dairy cooperative, and is sometimes even referred to as Anand (!!!) Milk Union Limited because it is based in Anand, Gujarat.

Viswanathan Anand Remains NIIT Brand Ambassador

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog
His failure to defend the World Chess Championship title notwithstanding, Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand will continue to be the brand ambassador of premier IT education institute NIIT.

Anand, a five-time world chess champion, lost the crown to Norwegian prodigy Magnus Carlsen last week in the match conducted in his home city of Chennai.

The setback triggered speculation that Anand would be dropped as brand ambassador of NIIT, a brand he has promoted for quite a few years.

But NIIT Chairman Rajendra S Pawar said the iconic Grandmaster would remain on board.

"We salute Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, for placing India prominently on the world chess map. A true sporting legend and a national hero, Anand continues to inspire young Indians to embrace the game of chess," he said in a statement.

"Anand has made chess a national movement by initiating 1.65 million students into the game of Chess through our joint initiative – the NIIT MindChampions' Academy. Together, NIIT and Anand will continue to work towards taking Indian chess to greater heights," he added.


* Brand ambassadors: Anand and Carlsen

Monday, November 25, 2013

It's Official: Magnus Carlsen is World Chess Champion 2013 (... And, yes, there's an FB Status Update!)

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Monday, November 25, 2013
Newly-crowned World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen on Monday took home a prize money of Rs 9.90 crore after he beat Viswanathan Anand in a keenly-watched contest that spanned over 10 days.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha gave away the prize money and trophies to the Norwegian sensation and the Indian veteran at a short ceremony that lasted about ten minutes.

Carlsen, the second youngest player after Garry Kasparov to win the coveted chess title of World Chess Champion, was awarded a gold-plated trophy, whose design was handpicked by Jayalalithaa, gold medal and an olive garland (wreath) at the private hotel where the two players had vied for the championship last week. 

Of course, the World Champion has to 
make it official on Facebook!

Anand, a five-time world champion whose title was wrested by the young challenger with a stupendous 6.5-3.5 score, had to settle for the runner-up prize money of Rs 6.03 crore, a silver plaque and silver medal.

FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov presented the respective medals to Carlsen and Anand.

The olive wreath, presented to Carlsen, was made of olive leaves from Nilgiris in the state.

The closing ceremony had no speeches, only background announcements in Tamil and English. National anthems of both Norway and India were also played.

Jayalalithaa gave away the winner's gold trophy to Carlsen, amid loud cheers from supporters. She also honoured the 22-year-old Norwegian with an olive garland from the Nilgiri hills, while World Chess Federation president Kirsan Illyumzhinov presented him a gold medal. Magnus Carlsen earned US $1,582,732/€ 1,169,883 for his efforts. Anand, who lost the crown in his home city, was rewarded with prize money of US $964,028/€ 711,021 and a silver medal.

Carlsen became the new world chess champion after defeating Anand by 6.5-3.5 in 12 game match held between November 7 and 22. The crucial tenth game went in a draw and favoured Carlsen to claim the title.

Former world champion Viswanathan Anand, who had checked out of the Presidential Suite on Saturday morning, came directly from his home and left after the ceremony. 


Anand was dressed formally in tie and jacket and Carlsen had his jacket on. The venue was the same hall in which the ten games were played. Over 500 people attended the crowded ceremony which also witnessed huge security personnel both inside and outside the hotel. -- PTI/Official website

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Magnus Carlsen beats Viswanathan Anand: Faking News' Most-Believable Satirical Tweet Feed

Posted by World Chess Championship 2013 News Blog Sunday, November 24, 2013
Magnus Carlsen beats Viswanathan Anand: Faking News' Most-Believable Satirical Tweet Feed at the World Chess Championship in Chennai. If you are in India, you will truly connect with this and have a great laugh ;)