Your thoughts on Anand?
He is a great player - he's held the title for so long. I have huge respect for him. I hope he will be back in the Candidates next year. We'll meet in Zurich next year.
Your impressions of Game 10?
I had a very solid position, no weaknesses. Then he drifted a bit and I thought I should try and win as long as there's no risk. Finally, it got too complicated - so I decided to shut it down and force a draw.
I just thought ed6 was winning - missed something. Yes, Nc3 is very strong there instead.
Impressions on winning the title?
It feels good. It has been tough, both here and in London at the Candidates.
The match eventually played out to my strengths. It was a great event - I'm honoured and happy to have won.
Will you reveal who your seconds are?
Well, everyone knows that Norwegian GM Jon-Ludvig Hammer helped and there were others. I thank them all.
What was the turning point in the match?
Game 4 gave me a very good feeling. I felt I seized the initiative and I also felt we were equally nervous and vulnerable. In fact, Game 3 was a vulnerable moment and then in Game 4, I could sense he was vulnerable.
After that, I stopped worrying about the occasion and just started playing chess more or less as I always do. I settled in and realised I don't need to do things very differently.
Do you think your young, dynamic image will promote chess?
I hope so. There were signs in Norway, when people who don't play followed the TV broadcast.
Has the victory sunk in?
Just very, very happy to have won. I'll guess it will be written in the chess history books later.
Did you expect to win inside Game 10?
I never thought about the possible score. Any scoreline that had me winning would be good is all I thought.
What was your preparation?
I mostly worked on the opening. I guess calculating middlegame and endgames is mostly a matter of being in tournament practice.
What was your strategy?
I just tried to play and make him sit and play for a long time.
People crack if you can apply enough pressure. History shows that people crack even in world championships, under pressure. Obviously, the blunders that he made are unusual but it really has to do with being put under pressure.
What are your impressions of Chennai?
I'm very happy with the treatment and top-notch organisation.
Every wish of me and my team was attended to. This is better than anything that I've ever experienced.
Your thoughts on the next Olympiad which is to be held in Norway?
Hope the Olympiad will be a great event - It should help develop chess in Norway. I'll be playing.
