Anand to attack early?

Thipsay expects Anand to attack early
By N Jagannath Das – HYDERABAD
Published: 02nd November 2013 08:47 AM
Last Updated: 02nd November 2013 08:56 AM

The final countdown for the World Chess Championship match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen has started. For someone like Praveen Thipsay, the first Indian to attain a Grandmaster norm in 1984, it is a very big event.

According to Thipsay, the match will be between a master of strategy and planning in Anand versus a street-fighter in Carlsen. “It is going to be an interesting clash because it is clear that it cannot go on predicted lines. The match could also be one-sided, either it could be in Anand’s favour or Carlsen’s. Their games are different. Anand is a real master of understanding, strategy and planning. Carlsen is a tactical player, more in the mould of a street-fighter,” said Thipsay.

“It will be an absorbing start. Anand is a great match player while Carlsen doesn’t not have any match experience. Both will look for an early advantage and try to draw with black. Anand is one of the best attacking players. So if he makes a bright start, the games may go in his favour. In the initial rounds, Anand will look for a King-side attack. After one or two calm games, he may attack with white,” he said.

The 54-year-old said Carlsen may have his own strategy. “We don’t know what type of strategy will Carlsen follow. He will try to prolong the game. Carlsen will ensure that the games are not over quickly and will try to drag them till Anand is exhausted. That may be the strategy of Carlsen. He will play for 40-move games.”

Talking about Anand and his talent in his younger days, Thipsay said the world champion’s game has changed over the years. “Anand was a strong and impulsive attacking player at the start of his career and today he has a more polished attacking game. He plays with a lot of caution.”

What he liked about Anand at the start of his career was his passion and understanding of the game. “His ability to find new moves in a couple of seconds was fascinating. Anand’s opening is fast and accurate. Even today, Anand is attacking but he is a mature player.

“Earlier, he would discuss strategies and analyse. He would come up with new plans but what is fascinating, he would come up with interesting moves. He was accurate in his judgment,” said Thipsay.

Although Thipsay is excited about the match, the veteran Grandmaster is not happy that the match is being played in India for the simple reason that there will be tremendous pressure, particularly from the media. “It is a big, big event. I have my reservations about the crowd. They tend to disturb the players which is not good. During the match, the players should be secluded from the crowd. But Anand handles pressure very well. He is cool and composed,” he said.

A lot of planning might have gone into the game but neither has disclosed their seconds. “Anand has not disclosed his seconds. Neither has Carslen. But there are reports that (Garry) Kasparov is helping him. If he is with Carslen, then a lot of planning must have gone into this game.” Like many chess buffs, Thipsay says it is a great opportunity to watch this match live. “During 2000 championship, I was there. I love watching great players discuss. I’m really excited.” Will there by any boom in chess in India? “India may have the highest number of registered players, but we don’t have players in top 15 or 20. The problem in India is not number but the seriousness of the players,” he signed off.

Source: http://newindianexpress.com