Viswanathan Anand keen to play in India

Viswanathan Anand is keen to play in India. “I think the time is really right and ripe. I wish and hope a super tournament is held here. I’m very keen. If somebody organises one such event in India, it will be fantastic” the world champion told DNA on the sidelines of a promotional event on Friday.

A rather fit-looking Anand said fatigue was not a major issue during his World Championship match in Sofia where he had beaten challenger Veselin Topalov. “Inevitably, the fatigue sets in such matches. I was a little tired no doubt but I knew my opponent was equally tired. What we had to guard against was blunders. Some positional errors were inevitable. In the end, he cracked first,” Anand said reminding that he was never behind Topalov in the match after the second game.

Anand, known to be a good tournament player, said the issue about his ability in the matchplay should be put to rest.

“After Bonn, I thought there was no need to explain myself,” he said. “The Kramnik match had taken care of the point. But my Candidates’ match record in the 90s is not that unimpressive. But yes, the Topalov match proved a few points. I did not crack. He did.”

Anand said he had no hesitation to share information with Vladimir Kramnik, who had helped him during the championship. “Generally, I get along very well with Vladimir. He was willing to share important ideas with me. I was relaxed about that. If Kramnik qualifies for the next championship, that’s not an issue. There will be new things to do. I don’t think it is such a big deal about sharing my ideas with him.”