A recce before the war in ‘black’ & ‘white’
Aug 21, 2013, 05.00AM IST
By Jaideep Unudurti
World chess championship challenger Magnus Carlsen’s arrival in Chennai has sparked off a mini “Magnus mania.” Carlsen is here to scope the conditions for his match against reigning champ Viswanathan Anand, slated for November this year.
Carlsen’s entourage includes his manager, his father, four journalists and a chef. Despite the hype, such visits are de rigeur at the top. Aruna Anand, who looks after the organisational aspects of the maestro’s championship matches has also conducted such visits for the “A-Team.” “Before every match we have done a recce,” Aruna confirms.
“The Sofia one got a lot of publicity, that’s all,” she says, about Anand’s 2010 title clash with Topalov in the Bulgarian’s hometown. Tensions between the players meant that the reconnaissance visit was widely reported, and brought this little-known ritual into public view.
What does the team look for in such situations? “Well, firstly, it is a feel of the place,” Aruna explains, “You look at the hotel rooms, comfort levels of your team. The playing hall. Any specific worry you can have, like distances to the venue etc.”
Carlsen is staying at the Hyatt Regency, the same hotel where the match will be held. In such inspections, it is important to carefully scrutinise the actual venue. “We check out the playing hall for noise disturbance, and lighting. Any special contractual obligation that needs to be complied with. The contract specifies as to how the hall should be,” says Aruna.
A world championship campaign is extremely gruelling not just for the player but for the support staff as well. The seconds or grandmasters who help the players are constantly working, getting their man ready for the next game. “We look for the comfort in the rooms, since it’s a long stay — it has to be comfortable for a month,” says Aruna.
Regarding Carlsen’s entourage interacting with Indian officials, she says, “These meetings are to cover the basic issues, so that the final inspection when the players are bought in proceeds without many surprises.”
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Vishy will win.