Every second counts for Anand By Ashok Venugopal | ENS - CHENNAI Published: 15th November 2013 11:50 AM Last Updated: 15th November 2013 11:57 AM Photos Anand’s seconds have been under immense pressure to help the world champion plot moves to outsmart one of shrewdest brains in world chess. (D Sampath Kumar) Anand’s seconds have been under immense pressure to help the world champion plot moves to outsmart one of shrewdest brains in world chess. (D Sampath Kumar) Viswanathan Anand’s preparation for a match is always meticulous and he more or less follows a routine pattern to remain fresh mentally and physically. After the first two games ended in quick draws it is believed that his seconds burnt the midnight oil to keep Anand better prepared and like proof of the pudding, the third and fourth games were long ‘drawn’ affairs. World Chess Championship - Complete coverage “Very few know what (effort) has gone behind the drawn games. It is a world championship and nothing comes easy. Every move is dissected by millions, so Anand has to play correctly and precisely,” said a member of Team Anand. “The match has gone on expected lines, with both playing equal. There is not much difference in their play. I still maintain as of now it is 50-50 chance for both to win the tournament,” added the key team member. Anand’s seconds have been under immense pressure to help the world champion plot moves to outsmart one of shrewdest brains in world chess. “There have been times when the seconds have worked for more than 27 hours at a stretch for Anand. The last two games have been nerve sapping. Luckily Anand’s seconds must have had a good sleep on Wednesday night as Thursday was a rest day,” revealed the member. “But on Thursday night none will get to sleep as they will work overtime to help Vishy get the initiative after four drawn games,” added the member. The game has been interesting with Caro Kann, Berlin wall and so on, both Anand and Carlsen have had an upper hand at times and later in order to avoid complications settled for draws. “The championship is hotting up. Last game was a well fought one,” said the member. But when pointed out that Anand himself said he had a horrible opening, the member said: “Well it is not so, but we will stick to what Anand said. In the Berlin wall move there are about 20 variations. But Anand fought well in particular in the end game to draw it.” So how does Anand react to the suggestions and inputs of the seconds. Does he transport what he does at practice into actual match play. “He is very receptive to ideas and suggestions. But then let’s not forget that he is master of the game and uses his own intuition while employing ideas to actual match play. It is not easy to memorise all the moves and use it in match play. But majority of times he gets his moves right,” added the member. So what does Anand do on his off day. “It is time to relieve pressure,” laughs the key aide. “Well Vishy likes to have good sleep and a wholesome meal. Then maybe in the evening, after a light gym session, he is back to work,” added the key aide. When pointed out that no one is sure whether Carlsen’s seconds are physically present at Chennai and will work online, the Team Anand member said: “Carlsen’s style is different, our method is different (doesn’t reveal who the online seconds are). In today’s advanced technology distance may not be a problem. But again all depends upon how comfortable a player is (physical or online training).” Continue Reading...
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:48:34 +0000
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