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Riding on a high
Viswanathan Anand hasn’t had a memorable 2009 but hopes to lift his game when he faces Veselin Topalov in the world championship duel, to be fought in Sofia from April 23, reports HT Correspondent.
Viswanathan Anand hasn’t had a memorable 2009 but hopes to lift his game when he faces Veselin Topalov in the world championship duel, to be fought in Sofia from April 23.
Here on a promotional trip, representing sponsor NIIT, the defending champion admitted that he has his task cut out. “I didn’t have a great year, unlike 2007 or 2008 but looking ahead to the world championship, I don’t think I would be short on motivation. That’s something I have to win.”
The slump in form has resulted in Anand slipping to No. 3 in world rankings, behind Topalov and Norwegian wonder kid Magnus Carlsson. The reigning world champion said: “Topalov is a very tough rival, one of the strongest in the world and in good form. But I’m ready.”
Anand refused to get into a comparison between Toplaov and Vladimir Kramnik of Russia, whom he beat in the world championship in Bonn last year. “They are stylistically different. Kramnik is more classical and Topalov more innovative. And these days, there is a lot of depth at the top”?
Asked whether it was part of his strategy to underperfom before the crunch match — coincidentally that’s how it was before the encounter against Kramnik — Anand avoided a direct answer. “Can’t say that. There has been a dip in form of late but I’m not panicking. I’m trying to peak at the right time. And if you don’t peak during a world championship game, when will you?”
Having said that, Anand confessed that this is one title he holds very close to his heart. “It’s something all chess players want. You get to see the pinnacle, get to see how it’s like being there. My job is to make sure that I keep the crown with myself for as long as I can.”
Anand said there wasn’t much difference going into the match as defending champion.
“That isn’t much of a factor and nor does it matter. Earlier, the defending champion used to be declared the winner in case of a draw. But now we have tie-breakers in such case. So, to me it doesn’t change anything.”
