Anand Favourite to retain World Championship Title: Topalov

Image by Georgios Souleidis via Flickr

With interest levels rising in the chess world on the impending World championship match between the present world Champion Vishwanathan Anand and the challenger Veselin Topalov, it is fascinating to know what goes on in the minds of the players. NTV (a Russian television channel) chess correspondent - Marina Makarycheva, conducted an interview with former world champion and challenger Veselin Topalov, on his thoughts about the game as well as on current events in the chess world. The interview is in Russian and can be read on the Gazeta online. Below are excerpts of this interview which I have translated into English.

Marina Makarycheva: Over the past few years, you have been consitently winning the top events in chess, scoring over your close competitors, can this lead to complacency? Is this what happened in your match against Kamsky?

Veselin Topalov: Yes, perhaps, this is a reasonable assumption. I have been giving very good performances and am accustomed to winning easily. Against Kamsky, my country folk from Bulgaria , and also my fans throughout the world, were confident about an easy victory, probably a part of this rubbed over, leading to complacencey.

Nevertheless, despite the convincing scoreline, I can not say that I am pleased with the quality of the games I played in the match. Every game was of a different quality and there was no consistency in my play.

Marina Makarycheva: About the World championship Match against Anand. When is it likely to be held? What are your preparations?

Veselin Topalov: Frankly, it does not depend on me alone. Anand, FIDE and the sponsors - all of us have to come to a consensus for the game to occur. Regarding preparations, I will be closely following Vishy's games henceforth. I would also like to add that, I have studied the games Vishy played at Linares.

But, if I play at the level I played at Sofia against Kramnik, then Vishy is not going to let me off as easily as Kamsky.

Marina Makarycheva: What will be your approach against Anand? Will you be as aggressive as with Kamsky or will you play more carefully to eliminate any errors?

Veselin Topalov: Those are the least of worries on my Mind at present. I am at the moment only thinking about where and under what conditions, these games will be held.

Marina Makarycheva: Recently FIDE changed the format of the current World Chess Champioship cycle, midway. Originally , the winner of the Grand Prix cycle was to play the World champion. But now it has been replaced by an 8 player Candidates cycle format. What are your thoughts on this?

Veselin Topalov: Honestly, I have a negative feeling about this. After all, it is not a secret that, had Kramnik won at Bonn, instead of Anand, there would have been no changes in the rules. Anand would have had to fight his way back via the world cup at Khanty-Mansiysk. While now the Loser of Bonn will get a direct entry into the Candidates cycle without working for it.

On the other hand though, with the economic recession and the Global Chess situation -FIDE could not go ahead with the Grand Prix cycle. So the situation is quite complicated.

Frankly, I am unhappy with the situation, but, understand that these are things beyond my control.

Marina Makarycheva: Finally, Is it possible to beat Vishy Anand?

Veselin Topalov: Frankly, If you compare the standard of my play against Kamsky at Sofia, and the level at which Anand played against Kramnik in Bonn... Anand is clear favourite. But there is still time and I will prepare carefully and be ready for him.

Silvio Danailov (Topalov's Manager): I think no one is in doubt that Veselin Topalov is the best player in the world. He has the highest rating among all players and is clearly playing better than everyone else. Do not forget, Anand became world champion in Mexico, only because Veselin did not take part in it. He was not allowed to play there. If Veselin had played, Anand wouldn't have been the World champion in the first place.

Secondly, I'm sure, that whenever and wherever the Match be held against Anand, It is Topalov's Karma/Fate to be champion. It is predetermined. I do not say that Veselin will crush Anand, those would be strong words, I just want to say that Veselin will win, no doubt about it.

Category: Chess , World Chess Championship