Anand and Carlsen battle off the board

The first round of off-the-board sparring between Chess maestro Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen could be considered as a draw as neither divulged much, but answered every query at a media conference Thursday ahead of their World Championship match commencing at a swanky five-star hotel here Saturday.

While both expressed satisfaction at the venue, accommodation and arrangements, 42-year-old reigning champion Anand admitted that he would be drawing on his vast experience against the 22-year-old contender from Norway who experts say is the favourite to win the contest.

"Obviously, it (experience) is one factor among many. I shall bring to bear those factors in to my game. But simply, we will have to see. Definitely, it (experience) is one of my resources that I would like to draw from," said Anand.

When queried about his reaction to statements that World No.1 Carlsen would be starting out as the favourite, Anand declined to be drawn into any discussion.

"In general, I get ready to play against a certain opponent. That is it. As for whether some think I am a favourite or not or the percentage that I enjoy, I do not know what you can do with that information any way," responded Anand.

On his part, Carlsen, who was accorded a rousing welcome on his arrival here Monday, said he was not sure about starting out as a favourite, but his focus would be on winning the match.

"I do not know if everyone considers me a favourite, but in general, I expect to do well in tournaments. If I manage to do well to my abilities and levels, I can win and that will be my mind set here as well," said Carlsen.

As for the venue, Anand, bidding for his sixth World title, said it beats fighting traffic to get to the match, but Carlsen, who has a Elo rating of 2870 to Anand's 2775, felt it would be tough staying put in one place for several weeks.

"This is very convenient, especially since you do not have to reckon with traffic hazards at all. Obviously, for the players, it is extremely comfortable. That is how I feel," said Anand who is currently ranked No.8 in the World Chess Federation's list.

"Of course, there are some obvious advantages like logistical, but on the other hand, perhaps it is tough staying in the same place for a long time, but overall I am happy with the arrangements," was Carlsen's take on staying a few floors above the venue hall.

Anand was very effusive in thanking the Tamil Nadu government for sponsoring the match and was excited at playing in his hometown.

"I am happy that the championship is happening in my hometown. I thank Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for hosting this event here which is being organised in a grand manner and so well.

"It would not have happened without her interventions and I am really grateful for her for that. I am looking forward to the match starting and getting on to that," said Anand.

Apparently overwhelmed by the media hype, Carlsen said: "I am happy that there is so much interest for chess in India. Anand is a star here and I am hoping that there will be lot of chess fans and media in general and lot of positive interest around the match."