The Italian in fact slipped from an all time high fifth world ranking to 13th after just one tournament and would be looking forward to an improved performance.

With 2714 as the average rating of the participants, the tournament is pegged at category-19 according to FIDE charts. Incidentally, it is just one category higher than the sole super tournament organised in India last December which was category-18. Indications are high that should the trend continue in India, chess buffs might see Anand in action on home turf sooner. Anand is no stranger to southern German spa town as he has represented the local club for many years in Bundesliga, the German Chess league. The Indian is also known to speak fluent German. The Indian will look forward to avenge his defeat at the hands of Adams in the London Classic last December in the opener. Anand will start his campaign with black pieces. In other first round matches, Caruana will meet Meier while Naidtisch will take on Fridman. Pairings round 1: Michael Adams (Eng) v/s V Anand (Ind); Arkaditsch Naiditsch (Ger) v/s Daniel Fridman (Ger); Fabiano Caruana (Ita) v/s Georg Meier (Ger).