Anand NOT scared of Magnus

Anand not scared, assures Aruna
By Ashok Venugopal - CHENNAI
Published: 05th November 2013 09:27 AM
Last Updated: 05th November 2013 09:27 AM

With hardly four days left before World Championship clash between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen, the mind games have already begun.

The match that begins on Saturday promises to be a keen tussle. Former world champion Vladimir Kramnik has stirred a storm by stating that “Anand is scared of Carlsen. The only problem that he is facing is that he is somewhat intimidated by Carlsen,” Kramnik had said.

But Team Anand is cool as cucumber and not provoked by such statements. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. If Kramnik has said something, it is his opinion. We are not hurt or disappointed or anything like that. On the personal level, Anand and Kramnik are good friends,” said Aruna Anand, wife and manager of the five-time world champion.

For Anand & Co it is business as usual as preparations are on in full swing. “Anand has been preparing for a while now and at the moment he is well prepared and is gearing up for the match,” said Aruna.

“Anand knows his job well and is confident of putting up a good show. In other words, he is ready for the challenge,” added Aruna.

Anand’s age, fitness is being held against him when compared to Carlsen, who is almost half his age. “To me, Anand is very much fit and he is spot on in the job. He has the experience and knows best how to go about the job,” said Aruna. During his training, Anand has been almost cut off from the world and in touch only with his seconds. “I would say he is focussed on his game. That’s the way he prepares. Anand is a practical and pragmatic person. He knows what is expected of him and lets not forget that he is a seasoned campaigner,” said Aruna.

Aruna feels blessed to be Anand’s wife and finds the chess legend humble and down to earth. “As a person he is still the same and has not changed a wee bit over the years. Even if we leave out the fact that he is a chess legend, he is still a wonderful human being,” said the proud wife.

Fatherhood has changed Anand in the sense that it has renewed his vigour and zest for life. He is a lot more jovial and has shed some of his shyness and even changed his reserved nature. “Fatherhood is a life-changing milestone for Anand. Our son (Akhil) has brought a lot of joy to the family,” said Aruna.

How does Anand’s parents feel about the World Championship match? “It is a nostalgic moment for them. Anand’s mother Susheela used to take him to chess classes during weekends. All are happy for Anand and the entire family is behind him and wishes that he does well,” signed off Aruna.

Source: http://newindianexpress.com