I don't show agression openly: Vishy Anand

Vishwanathan Anand

Vishwanathan Anand recently revealed that he likes to channel the ‘anger’ he has for certain opponents in a positive light.

Speaking at a felicitation function organised by NIIT for young chess players, World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand said, “The insecurity of losing made me aggressive. Aggression is a very useful tool. I don’t show it openly but the prospect of losing to some players is so horrifying you might want an extra bit.”

“Against (Veselin) Topalov (in the 2010 World Championship) I was able to channel that feeling into a willingness to play long games. I was able to feel motivated.

“Another thing that got me going was thinking how happy Gary (Kasparov) would be to see me losing and then I thought how nice it would be to not give him that pleasure.”

Regarding the hunger he still has for the game, the current world champion said: “The hunger is still there to go for the next one. I am often asked how I maintain my motivation even after five world titles. Frankly, I never took to chess because it was on some kind of a check-list. I will keep playing till I enjoy it. The desire is still there.

“It might take me seven to eight tournaments to take my rating to something close to the 2850 mark. But then I have played bad intentionally.”

In reference to Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian, either of whom could be his next challenger, Anand said, “Both of them and others will be fighting for the right to play me at the next world championship. They are the biggest talents that have emerged in recent times and maybe a few decades. It would be challenging to play either of them and I know most people won’t consider me the favourite.”