World Championship Novelties

Novelties for Anand-Carlsen match
BHOPAL, October 22, 2013
Updated: October 22, 2013 23:33 IST
Rakesh Rao

Some thoughtful introduction of novelties is set to brighten up the World chess title clash between Viswanathan Anand and Norwegian challenger Magnus Carlsen next month in Chennai.

For the first time, the World championship games can be followed on smartphones — both androids and iOS — once the free applications will be available for downloads from November 1. A ‘move-alert tone’ will help the user know that a move has been made. Live analysis, in text form, will also be available throughout the game. The opening encounter of the 12-game match is on November 9 at the Hotel Hyatt Regency.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the All India Chess Federation Bharat Singh Chauhan, “For the first time in India, chess games will be shown live on Doordarshan on all days. Since we expect an unprecedented following on the internet, we have arranged for five servers to ensure uninterrupted service.”

It may be recalled that on the final day of the Candidates tournament in London in April this year, the event’s server crashed due to heavy traffic of internet users.

Privileges

Talking about the privileges provided to the players, Chauhan said, “The players, along with their teams, will stay on two separate floors. Using two separate elevators for exclusive use, the players will reach the playing hall. The contest will be held in a sound-proof glass cubical. We have ensured that players get as much privacy as possible and are kept away from the reach of guests and spectators. After the game, the players will head for the mandatory media conference.”

Talking about the arrangements for those who wish to follow the commentary, Chauhan said, “We have hired Susan Polgar and Lawrence Trent as commentators. In the playing hall, two huge AV screens will be installed for the benefit of spectators. Behind the spectators’ area, we also have a designated area, without seats, for the 100 registered chess players at a time to watch the contest. We expect a lot of players in Chennai since a series of events are planned to coincide with the match.”

Team Anand and Team Carlsen are expected to arrive at the hotel on November 4.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com