Anand promises surprises in his core team

Chennai, April 2 (IANS) Five-time World Chess champion Viswanathan Anand Wednesday promised a couple of surprises in his team of seconds when he faces defending champion Magnus Carlsen in the World Chess Championship later this year.

Anand at a press briefing here after arriving from Russia, where he won the Candidates Tournament, said he was mulling to re-jig his team of seconds, or players who help a champion player prepare for the World Championship.

“I would chalk a new path for a new result. I won’t get a new result if I travel in the old path,” said Anand.

Asked if he was planning to change is team of seconds, Anand said: “I am planning to re-jig my core team and there would be a couple of surprises. Ideas are being thought about and everything can’t be discussed at a media meet.”

Anand’s team during last year’s failed title defence here in his home town against Carlsen were his compatriots Sandipan Chanda, K. Sasikiran, Hungarian Grandmaster Peter Leko and Poland’s Radoslaw Wojtaszek. Chanda was also second in Russia during the Candidates Tournament.

Praising Chanda for his creative style, Anand said he was also planning to change his style of play.

“I have some ideas but can’t be discussed,” he said.