Anand seems past his prime but still extremely good and should continue: Kramnik

Former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik feels Indian icon Viswanathan Anand seems "past his prime" but remains "extremely good" for a 50-year-old and should continue for some more years.

The 44-year-old Kramnik, who was the undisputed world champion from 2006 to 2007, spoke about his contemporary, who took the world title from him in 2008.

"Maybe he (Anand) is past his prime because he set the bar so high...maybe he is not as good as he was in the past. But the thing is that, he is extremely good at his age (50)," the Russian Grand Master said after the inauguration of a camp here for 14 young Indian players on Tuesday evening.

"To be a top-level player at such an age in this era is itself an achievement. I am not sure if the next generation will manage it. As long as he is enjoying the game, he should continue. I hope to see him for some more years," he added.

Anand turned 50 last year and has been struggling to regain top form for a while now.

Asked what were the signs for a player to consider quitting, Kramnik said it always boils down to results.

"In most cases, it is when you start to lose every single game (laughs). When you feel you are not as good as before, your level of play may dip. There are other factors as well. I feel it is up to the individual to decide."