In a thrilling exhibition in St Louis, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand faced his old rival Garry Kasparov in the ‘Clutch Chess: The Legends’ event. After 12 games, Anand lost 11-13 to Kasparov but ended on a high by winning the final two blitz games.
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| Image Source: Chess.com |
During the three-day event, Kasparov claimed victory in two rapid and two blitz games, while Anand’s wins came only in the concluding blitz matches, after Kasparov had already secured the overall win. Anand admitted he was not satisfied with his performance, feeling that at times he was solving puzzles rather than playing competitive chess.
Kasparov walked away with $78,000 (around Rs 70 lakh) including bonuses, while Anand earned $66,000 (around Rs 58 lakh).
“I was shocked when I didn’t win game four on the first day. Losing the first game on time the next day was ridiculous. I felt like I wasn’t playing competitive chess, more like solving puzzles. Chess is a sport, not an academic exercise. I probably deserved the result, but winning the final blitz games felt good. At least I don’t have to hide my face when I return home,” Anand told ChessBase India.
The second day’s first game drew attention when Anand, despite holding a winning position, lost on time. Kasparov even apologized for the unexpected outcome.
“I should have lost game one or forced a draw, but I’d rather have won game two. Overall, it’s a fair balance. After winning game two, I completely relaxed,” Kasparov told grandmaster Maurice Ashley.
Anand recalled the moment he ran out of time: “I had 1 minute 26 seconds left and then I forgot to check the clock. I was so absorbed in the game. When the arbiter told me I lost, it was a huge shock.”
Summing up, Anand laughed and said, “I’m not happy with my performance, but at least it ended slightly well.”