Prefer titles to ranking: Viswanathan Anand

World chess champion Viswanathan Anand made it back to the top spot of the FIDE rankings with a career best Elo of 2,817 points. He tells DNA that the race has never been so tight.

What does it mean to the regain the No 1 ranking?
It means that I’m actually playing well. Around October, I was playing well and felt that the world No 1 was within my reach. I am happy with my performances as they have been consistent. More importantly, I have done well in the last four tournaments that I played in.

How much does ranking matter to you? Do you prefer titles or rankings?
The world title is more specific and a bigger challenge whereas ranking is constant. I would say the ranking is a validation of how consistently I play and a reflection of me playing well. But I will admit being world No 1 is sweet. I’m happy as this is the highest rating points (2,817) that I’ve reached.

Who would you rate as your toughest opponents currently?
I would say Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian are my biggest competitors at the moment.
You have shifted base to Chennai. Any particular reason?
I moved back as I wanted to spend more time at home. Earlier, I used to get only a month or so at home but now I get 4-5 months. Majority of my time is spent travelling.

You have world titles in all three formats and now you are No 1 again. What more is left to achieve?
My next big challenge is definitely the World Championship in 2012. Defending a title is a big challenge. But this year, I want to do well in the tournaments in the second half of the year.

How do you keep motivating yourself?
Right now, it’s fairly easy as it’s a very tight race for the top spot. Rankings can change with every game. There is the added motivation with people breathing down your neck. Also, there are a lot of new tournaments that have come up. So that’s a new impetus.

Do you expect Carlsen to come hard at you?
I don’t think it’s a two-horse race. Levon Aronian and Vladimir Kramnik are also very close. The chess world is in a very exciting place right now.

When is your next tournament?
I’ll be playing a rapid chess tournament in Monaco in March. I haven’t played that format in a while so it should be good. The second half of the year is going to be tight.

Are you following the World Cup?
I am watching all the India matches and the one with England was very exciting. Strauss played very well.

Who is your pick to win?
India have a good chance and are one of the favourites. But in the knockouts anything is possible and that is when it gets exciting.