Anand-Carlsen chess battle kicks off in ChennaiNovember 9, 2013 - 15:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Indian city of Chennai (Madras) is hosting the World Chess Championships, which could end the six-year reign of local man Vishwanathan Anand, BBC News reports. Many experts are expecting Anand's young Norwegian challenger Magnus Carlsen to take the title. The 12-game match will be held over three weeks at a local hotel, watched by a select audience of 350 inside the main hall and by thousands on live TV. Anand, 43, has been undisputed champion since 2007. However, Carlsen, 22, is now the highest rated player in history, with Anand currently ranked only number eight in the world. "We will see how it goes but I think I am ready to play. I am really excited to play in my home city. I am looking forward to the match starting," Anandtold the Times of India. Carlsen appeared to downplay his advantage. "I don't know who the favorite is. In general I expect to do well in tournaments I play in," he told journalists. Russian former grandmaster Garry Kasparov has described Carlsen as the Harry Potter of chess. Another Russian champion, Vladimir Kramnik, told the Times of India that Carlsen had more energy and motivation than Anand. "Anand is somewhat intimidated by Carlsen. He has not been confident playing against him - he's scared of him," he said. However, Anand has won more of their head-to-head matches. In the 12-game format, one point is awarded for a win and half for a draw. The first man to 6.5 points will be declared the winner and if the points are equal after the 12th game there will be a sudden death decider. Photo: ibnlive.in.com Related links: Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |