Carlsen vs Anand: 'Anything can happen' - GM Simen Agdestein

Simen Agdestein

World Chess Championship 2013 GM interview

It’s going to be the athlete meeting the scientist or scholar of chess, says Grandmaster Simen Agdestein, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen‘s former chess coach. And, GM Agdestein is not too sure who’s going to win! He is not willing to bet on either at this stage.

Speaking to NTB - Norway’s national news agency – GM Agdestein said the two players of the World Chess Championship have a very different approach towards the game of chess. He was quoted as saying, “I would think that Anand has prepared with three or four Grandmasters in recent months. He has probably put a lot of hard work into preparing openings for the games. Besides human help in this training, he has probably also made use of computers. So, he is as well prepared as possible for the opening moves Magnus comes with.”

Agdestein said, “Until now it has been tough preparation for Magnus. He has worked very hard, I know, but the key until the first game starting this Saturday, is to relax. It is about recharging his batteries.” Agdestein expects an unorthodox and practical play by Magnus with his strategy of long games that have already brought him thus far. Agdestein said he was quite excited by the match, but dare not bet yet on either of them.

On Anand’s strengths, Agdestein said, the World Chess Champion has the experience to fight at this level, while Carlsen likes to do his own thing.