Topalov: Anand is the favorite

Vishya is favourite, but I hope to capture his world champion title: Topalov
Written by content team 10 April 2009

NTV’s chess editor Marina Makarycheva performed an extensive interview with world’s highest rated player and world championship challenger Veselin Topalov. Ms. Makarycheva asked about the match with Kamsky, upcoming match with Anand, changes in the world championship cycle and other issues, the interview is published in Russian newspaper Gazeta. Chessdom has posted excerpts of this interesting interview.

Makarycheva: On the match with Anand. When it will be held, and when do you plan to start with preparation?

Topalov: Honestly, it does not depend only on me, but on Anand and, of course, on the FIDE as well. But most important – on the potential sponsors who can make their own suggestions. As for training, now I will carefully monitor all games played by Vishy. By the way, I have already examined carefully all of Anand’s games played in Linares.But returning to my play in Sofia, I can say that if I make the same mistakes in the match with Vishy, he will not forgive me.

Makarycheva: And why, in your opinion, Vishy Anand appeared in Linares not as convincing as in previous years?

Topalov: Well, first of all, Vishy Anand’s result in Linares can not be seen as failure. Linares is a very strong tournament.As for the reasons … I do not exclude the possibility that numerous celebrations and receptions for the world champion at his home in India, after Anand brilliantly defended his title, have played a role. It seems to me that Vishy was not able yet to fully restore his power.

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