World Chess Championship 2013 GM interview: In an interview with Russian news agency Itar-Tass, GM Sergey Karjakin had spoken about Viswanathan Anand's chances of retaining his World Chess title. Karjakin spoke about his chess, career, and sweetheart. One of the questions was about the Carlsen vs Anand World Championship in Chennai:
- Many people believe that Anand is doomed to lose in the upcoming World Chess Championship match against Magnus Carlsen. What do you think? What is the reason for the World Chess Champion's weaker form lately?
Karjakin: Perhaps, this is due to age - hard to stay number one for a long time. Maybe decreased motivation. Previously, he (Anand) was fighting to simply get to super-tournaments, now he receives an appearance fee. It seems to me that the situation would have been different if the tournaments involved prize money only. But, Anand's chance to win against Magnus Carlsen: Of course there is! It is important to note that the Norwegian, for all his talent, has never played a match. He (Carlsen) was just one step away from missing this match (World Chess Championship) at the London Chess Candidates tournament in the final round. He showed that he had not learned to win the decisive game."
Karjakin: Perhaps, this is due to age - hard to stay number one for a long time. Maybe decreased motivation. Previously, he (Anand) was fighting to simply get to super-tournaments, now he receives an appearance fee. It seems to me that the situation would have been different if the tournaments involved prize money only. But, Anand's chance to win against Magnus Carlsen: Of course there is! It is important to note that the Norwegian, for all his talent, has never played a match. He (Carlsen) was just one step away from missing this match (World Chess Championship) at the London Chess Candidates tournament in the final round. He showed that he had not learned to win the decisive game."
In existence since 1904, Itar-Tass, from Russia, is one of the world's largest news agencies.
For all the GM opinions on the chances of either player in the Carlsen vs Anand World Chess Championship Match 2013 at our site, check these chess posts. More opinions soon enough.
B&W Team Note: Yes, may we now hear the Indian chess fans applauding with glee?