Why did Viswanathan Anand’s rivals help him against Topalov?
Arvind Aaron
Sunday, May 30, 2010 0:19 IST
World champion Viswanathan Anand keeping his title for the fourth time has pushed Indian chess into celebration mode once again. Besides retaining the same team of seconds or trainers, Anand has revealed that he had helpful sessions with three key chess personalities — Garry Kasparov, widely considered the greatest player of all time, former world champion Vladimir Kramnik (both Russians), and the present world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway.
Kasparov’s decision to offer help to Anand has been a surprise to many. They have been rivals for long before and since the World Championship match that took place at New York in Sep-Oct 1995. Perhaps Kasparov wanted to be associated with a winner and chose Anand. How critical a factor his help was will be known to Anand. Another fact is that Kasparov trains Carlsen. As for Kramnik’s decision to pitch in, there are several factors. Kramnik shares a special relationship with Anand. When the World Chess Council was formed by Linares organiser Luis Rentero, Kramnik even visited Anand at his Madrid home in 1998 to play a match with him, with the winner to play Kasparov.
Also, during Kramnik’s controversial match against Topalov in Elista in 2006, there was plenty of hostility between the players and their groups. The match, won eventually by Kramnik, was played in such bad spirit — with Topalov casting aspersions on Kramnik’s frequent toilet breaks — that after it ended, a group of players, including Anand, were not on talking terms with Topalov. A key fact was that a majority of the players supported Kramnik, who is thought to be a likeable person and on the right side in that controversy. However, time played the healer and today the gentlemanly Anand and Topalov share a good relationship. Though Anand defeated Kramnik in Bonn 2008, the players are on excellent terms. The dual factor of love for Anand and dislike for Topalov could have propelled Kramnik to help the Chennai-born 40-year-old. Anand’s white side repertoire in the Sofia match was based on Kramnik’s successful play from Elista and the Indian was able to step into the Russian’s shoes without any difficulty.
As for Magnus Carlsen, his working with Anand as a sparring partner is not new. They did that before the Bonn and Mexico World Championship matches of 2008 and 2007. What is significant is that both players have a common trainer in Nielsen. The choice of world No.1 Carlsen as a sparring partner was a certain plus point in Anand’s preparation. It is likely, however, that they may have just worked together for the last time, as Carlsen is tipped to be a future challenger to Anand. If that happens, Nielsen will be forced to choose.
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The answer is simple. They are all united in solidarity against Topa’s beard and Danailov’s smelly shoes.
Say no to corrupt beards and shoes.
Certainly Anand’s interactions with K – K – C a few days before or during the match would be little more than small chat. The main preparation was that of Anand & his seconds. If Carlsen wins the candidates it would be most interesting to see which side Nielsen
chooses. Of course Nielsen in Carlsen’s camp would be a great help to the young viking, but ????
The young Viking is a great gentleman too. Listen to some of his interviews- the transparent honesty (and maturity) of his answers reminds one, of the Dalai Lama of the olden (pre-globalization- China) times. Carlsen would neither invite Nielssen nor Peter Heine abandon Anand. The summit clash would be the match of the twentyfirst century (along the lines of some of the sublime championship matches of the early 20th century) and would end beautifully, for sure.
maybe Kramik is a himophobe
Regarding Kasparov help, which is the most surprising, I think that Kasparov prefers Carlsen to compete against Anand instead of Topalov for the next World championships.
IMHO Carlsen just played with Anand to have a good training. They are both good blitz players.
Kramnik help was the most important. Maybe he gave Anand the key to beat Topalov. It seems that Kramnik really dislike Topalov but who could blame him after all that has happened.
For Kasparov perhaps it’s based on his own experience of the (self-destructive) havoc that the holder of the title can wreak. The Bulgarians have done a lot of organizational good for chess, but if they controlled the title they might “promote” into a piece that Kasparov would rather not see on the board.