Carlsen defiantly clung on

Carlsen Stays King as Vishy loses Nerve
By Express News Service
Published: 24th November 2014 06:18 AM

SOCHI: Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand’s bid to wrestle back the lost crown ended on Sunday, as he conceded the 11th game of the finale to Magnus Carlsen. Trailing by a point, the Chennai star needed a win to stay afloat in the 12-game engagement, but again frittered away an early advantage for the Norwegian to emphatically retain the silverware he had snatched from Anand last year.

Anand himself offered the sharpest prognosis for his defeat with black pieces. “My nerves were the first to crack. His nerves held up. He was more stable. I have to admit he is a better player,” he said after the match.

Anand also regretted his decision to sacrifice a rook for a minor piece. “It was a bad gamble, and I got punished,” he said.

Unlike the Chennai duel, where the 44-year-old Indian’s game had looked staid, Anand seemed positive and refreshed in Sochi, especially in openings.

Both seemed on an even keel, as Anand responded promptly to restore parity. He even had an upper hand in certain junctures, only to squander inexplicably. The brain-freeze in the sixth game might haunt him for years. Carlsen erred, so too did Anand, who was made to rue for it as the former came back and clinched it.

Though Anand was stable in the next four games, he couldn’t force the win that would have made the match a thriller. Instead, Carlsen defiantly clung on.

Leading to the final two games, the pressure was mounting on both. “Every move made by both players will be dissected by millions of fans for eternity. This is the moment of truth. 99% of the people at home can’t understand the pressure they are going through at this moment,” tweeted ex-women’s world champion and commentator Susan Polgar.

Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com