Carlsen reigns supreme again

Five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand’s bid to regain the title was foiled in Sochi, Russia, with a game to spare. The gifted young Norwegian, Magnus Carlsen, produced a result similar to the one seen in Chennai last year when he dethroned the genial Indian in his own backyard. But unlike the clash last November, the latest war of the pieces for the crown was closely fought, with the valiant Anand gaining praise from the chess world. He was far more proactive in his approach and not intimidated by the strongest player on the planet. Anand bounced back immediately to avenge the defeat suffered in the second game. There were times when he made Carlsen look vulnerable if not outright beatable. The Norwegian did admit to being inconsistent in the 12-game match that he won after emerging stronger in the penultimate encounter. It was equally true that Anand had his chances in Game 6 where he failed to capitalise on one of Carlsen’s rare blunders, and in Game 11 where he went for an unequal exchange when he could have held the game with careful play. Anand’s positive intent was hard to miss, and Carlsen described the match as “much tougher than last time”. He said: “I am happy and relieved. I’m very happy with the way I pulled myself together.” Devastated after the loss of the title last year, Anand earned the right to challenge Carlsen by winning the Candidates tournament in March this year. He went on to claim the prestigious Bilbao Masters title to show that his form was far better than it was 12 months ago. Carlsen, on the other hand, had been performing a shade below his own lofty standards. Therefore, going by the form of the two players, the match was expected to provide much closer battles — and it did. The decisive difference between two of the finest players in the cerebral sport was Carlsen’s ability to deal with pressure and complications better. It was not often that Carlsen yielded much ground, but whenever he did so, Anand failed to cash in on the opportunity. At key moments, Carlsen proved stronger than Anand. Though the difference between the players’ performance was marginal, Anand’s mistakes proved decisive while Carlsen’s less-than-optimal moves went unpunished. To the 23-year-old’s credit, he dealt with the game-turning moments better than Anand did at age 44. If Carlsen thought Anand ran him close till the end, the Indian was gracious after the match. “I have to admit Magnus was superior. His nerves held up better. All things taken into account, he just played better,” said Anand. Whether the Indian maestro will get another chance to challenge the Norwegian, remains to be seen. But age is certainly not on Anand’s side. Justice C.K.Prasad, Retd. Judge of the Supreme Court of India appointed as Chairman Press Council of India

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section 5 of the Press Council Act, 1978 (37 of 1978), the Central Government hereby notifies the nomination of Justice C.K. Prasad, retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as the Chairman of the Press Council of India.