Magnus Carlsen, the World No.1 chess player and
Viswanathan Anand’s challenger for the World championship match in November
this year, charmed the young chess players, college girls and the media with
his calm and composed manner in a function held at the MOP Vaishnav
College
On a three-day visit to the city to inspect the venue of
the championship, Hotel Hyatt Regency, and to get a feel of the city, Carlsen
patiently played simultaneous chess with 20 children for nearly two-and-a-half
hours, answered questions without getting perturbed. The 22-year-old Norwegian
seemed pleased with the arrangements made at the hotel for the championship
match. He said that, he’s satisfied with the playing venue.
The reception for Carlsen was in keeping with his
popularity in this part of the world. As he entered the College, the girls
squealed “Carlsen” even as he waved his hand. In his short address, the
Norwegian said, he’s happy to be here. He added that, he is looking forward to
the match.
On taking on Anand, Carlsen said, “he is a great player. Although
he might be low on confidence in the last few tournaments, he’ll be in a
different form on his home turf. He is one of world’s greatest players. He’ll
be eager to show his best. “We have always been on good terms. I think I’ve
learnt a lot from him and his games. You know how great a player he is by
interacting with him.”
On his chances in the World championship match, Carlsen
sounded extremely confident. “I think as long as I am in top shape, I have a
good chance to win. In every tournament, I back myself to win. This will be no
different. Anand will up his game than in recent times.”
On home support Carlsen said “I think it’s not any more
advantageous than in any other sport. It’s a psychological advantage.”
Carlsen refused to comment on the illness cause (according
to the clause, a player can take a two-day break if he falls ill. This clause
was included on the insistence of the Carlsen’s camp).
Carlsen attended a party hosted by the Norwegian Embassy
on Monday evening. He is likely to meet J. Jayalalithaa, the Chief Minister of
Tamil Nadu.
Carlsen’s camp might then venture out on the streets of
Chennai to get a feel of the city. “Probably go to the beach,” said Espen
Agdestein, Carlsen’s Manager.
Carlsen’s major tournament before the World championship
will be the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis ,
USA
