World champ Viswanathan Anand takes a festive break
Susan Ninan
TNN | Oct 10, 2013, 02.24 AM IST
CHENNAI: It’s time for festivity, and defending world chess champion Viswanathan Anand seems to be keen not to miss out on anything.
Taking a week’s break from his rigorous training regimen ahead of the World Championship, Anand returned on a private and hushed-up visit to the city in the early hours of Wednesday to spend time with his family and soak in the festive spirit.
“It’s wonderful to have him here during this festive season, and even better to find an obliging companion for visits to friends and relatives’ homes,” says wife and manager Aruna, over a hearty laugh, adding, “Of course, being able to spend time with our son Akhil supersedes everything else for him.”
The nine-day celebrations, Navratri (Golu in Tamil, also known as Kolu), is one where a unique display of dolls and figurines in odd numbered ‘Padis’ (steps) find their pride of place in homes.
Picking their two-year old toddler from montessori was the foremost task the doting father set himself before gorging on his favourite home made sambar and potato roast for lunch.
“It’s that little break he needed from his training schedule. Apart from catching up with family, he also has a lot of sleep to catch up on to cut all that jetlag,” adds Aruna.
Anand is hoping to spend his brief home visit away from the prying media glare. With precious few weeks left for his match against his challenger and World No 1 Magnus Carlsen, the unassuming 43 year-old prefers to steer clear of attracting any unnecessary attention.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Nakamura will be his second. He knows how to beat Magnus.
But Naka knows how to beat Anand too, and he is trained by Kasparov an old enemy of Anand. I think Anand and Kaspy don’t like each other very much..
Yes breaks are good but not so near the championships. Carlsen must be very busy and will be happy to hear that Anand will lose precious time from training.
I think Nakamura has only one victory over Carlsen in his entire tournament career. At least I know for sure he has an insanely bad record against him.