Youth
beats experience in chess
Five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand’s bid to
regain the title was foiled in Sochi, Russia, by
the gifted young Norwegian, Magnus Carlsen. In Chennai last year, he had dethroned
the genial Indian in his own backyard.
Going by the form of the two players, the match was
expected to provide much closer battles — and it did. The decisive difference
between two of the finest players in the cerebral sport was Carlsen’s ability
to deal with pressure and complications better. It was not often that Carlsen
yielded much ground, but whenever he did so, Anand failed to cash in on the
opportunity. At key moments, Carlsen proved stronger than Anand.
Advantage can be seen in this rivalry that Anand is now
exploring new possibilities and moves for further improvement in this cerebral
sport. The win could be achieved but in this pressure game Carlsen was just better
in handling stress. A sport is always better to watch when such rivalry gets revealed
and it takes the game to the exciting level and both great players have made it
by their ingenuity.
With this close defeat Viswanath's ability has not waned,
but Carlsen's popularity is certainly enhanced. Anand, as usual, has been
beaten off the board rather than on the board. He has mastery over theory and
is unsurpassed in post-mortem analysis. But, he is too generous in discussing
moves with his opponent after a game and discusses various lines at length at
the mandatory post-game Presser. In that processes, what he reveals
unwittingly, is the inner recesses of his mind. At Championship level, this is
what his rival wants to know. Chess being a battle of brains, Anand ought to be
more discreet in opening out to wily rivals like Carlsen. A Champion needs to
learn from Bobby Fisher, who won his matches even before sitting down.
It was by no means a close contest. Anand had a chance to
force a tie breaker and put Carlsen to real test. Two amateurish blunders by Anand
enabled Carlsen to defend his crown easily, in spite of his none too brilliant
form. Anand had raised great hopes after his stellar performance in the
Candidates contest and a win in the Bilbao tournament. Hence, age was not a
factor in this keen contest. Anand has more experience playing against top
players spread over two decades which would off set any degeneration associated
with aging. Carlsen also loves outdoor sports (football and basketball) and
keeps himself physically fit, engaging in them on rest days. Anand’s advisers
have to ponder about the reasons for the sudden slide in his performance.
Psychology and self confidence do play a role in Chess. Anand
is the best person to remedy his faults and regain his vintage form in time for
the next match. No doubt that Anand has the skill, temperament and experience to
win at least one more World Championship.
No wonder Carlsen is the youngest and highest rated
player in the history of the game. It was good to see Anand fight back this
time and give it a tough fight, better than last year's one sided Carlsen
performance. Anand saying he is not retiring after the championship shows his
incorrigible spirit and it is definitely a treat to his fans.
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