No Indian can emulate Anand: Negi
Oct 25, 2013
Chennai: The global media considers Parimarjan Negi as the next big thing to emerge from India after Viswanathan Anand in chess. The 20-year-old Delhi GM, who has a Fide rating of 2671 elo, won the Politiken Cup at Copenhagen in August this year. He had earlier claimed the same tournament in 2009.
The unassuming youngster, who became the youngest GM in the country at 13 years, is currently ranked third in India and 76th among active players in the world. Negi, who grew up watching Tania Sachdev create waves in the capital, has won several international open tournaments. In June 2008, he won the Philadelphia international open tournament. In India, he bagged the National premier championship in 2010.
Later in 2012, he clinched the Asian championship. The charming youngster who started his career with a gold medal at the Asian U10 championship in 2002 never looked back. The bubbly boy got his Fide rating in 2002 and grew up quickly to win the GM title in four years’ time. All his three GMs norms were made within a span of six months in 2006.
Negi has trained with GM Elizbar Ubilava who had been a second to the five time world champion Anand. The Delhi youngster, who idolises the Tiger from Madras, spoke to Deccan Chronicle about the forthcoming world championship match between Anand and Magnus Carlsen of Norway.
Who will win the contest -Anand or Carlsen?
I would trust a coin toss more than any prediction.
What will be the score line?
6.5-5.5.
What will be the turning point of the match?
A long game that Magnus wins, or Anand manages to save. That will clearly define the momentum of the contest.
Who is the greatest chess player in history and why?
Fischer. Probably not in the most objective sense, but his background (nobody took chess preparation seriously in the US) and story are most captivating.
What makes Anand such a great player?
His resilience and perseverance. He is a great player in every department, but more than anything it’s how long he has lasted and adjusted with the changing generation that sets him apart.
What appeals to you in Carlsen’s game?
His precision, and almost hypnotic stranglehold on the opponent’s mind.
Will winning the match in Chennai represent a pinnacle of Anand’s career?
No, that would probably be his victory over Kramnik. This match is more about silencing his critics.
How important is the match to Indian chess?
The popularity of chess is on the rise, and now this match should go a long way in re-branding the public image of chess.
Can an Indian player emulate Anand?
No.
Source: http://www.asianage.com
Anand will kick some serious butt.