The Hindu : Sport : ‘Anand sharper than Kramnik’

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‘Anand sharper than Kramnik’

Rakesh Rao

NEW DELHI: Noted chess trainer Elizbar Ubilava is optimistic of a “sharper” Viswanathan Anand coming out stronger in his upcoming World championship match against Russian challenger Vladimir Kramnik at Bonn next month.

The 58-year-old Ubilava, Anand’s ‘second’ from 1994 to 2001 and presently in the Capital to train India’s women’s team ahead of the Chess Olympiad in Dresden in November, finds Anand, “tactically sharper and more dynamic than Kramnik.”

Ubilava, who posted a 21-move victory with black pieces over Kramnik way back in 1992, said, “much depends on the opening preparations of the two players. It is common knowledge that Kramnik does not lose many games but it is equally true that he does not win many either.

“A lot will depend on the kind of positions we see on the board and who is willing to take risks,” said Ubilava, a Georgian by birth and a citizen of Spain by choice.

He does not find Kramnik’s match-record of having beaten Gary Kasparov, Peter Leko and Veselin Topalov too intimidating. “The victory over Kasparov (in 2000) was fine but he could have lost to Leko. Even against Topalov, he never looked very comfortable,” he observed.

Experienced

Though Anand has not been involved in any big match for more than a decade, Ubilava thought that it did not matter. “Anand has huge experience. He knows what it takes to do well in big games. I am sure he has been preparing hard for the match.”

He dismissed Anand’s dismal results in the on-going Grand Slam Finals at Bilbao and said, “Indeed it is tough for him but you should remember that he has a big match (the World championship) coming ahead. His focus is on that match. Even if he had won at Bilbao, that wouldn’t have impacted his prospects in the match. At Bilbao, it is understandable that Anand is facing a predicament. He obviously does not want to show his preparations to the world.”

Team spirit

Coming to the preparations of the Indian women’s team, Ubilava said, “This is the first time I am attached with the Indian women’s team. But it doesn’t mean I don’t know them well. I am sure they are enjoying themselves.

“The key is the right team spirit. Once we finish our training (for a fortnight), the crucial part is what we do during the Olympiad. Since each team tries to surprise the other when it comes to the board-order (before each round), we have to be prepared for it. I believe luck plays a big role in team championship but then, luck is not every thing.”

On World No. 2 K. Humpy’s decision to stay away from the Olympiad squad, Ubilava chose not to make a categorical comment.

“I don’t know her much. It would have been nice if she had played. A strong player like Humpy would have given stability to the team. Her presence would have boosted the morale of the other members. But, I am sure Humpy has her reasons.”

The depleted team, without Humpy and S. Vijayalakshmi, has the World junior girls champion D. Harika, Asian women champion Tania Sachdev, two experienced Woman Grandmasters Nisha Mohota and Swati Ghate besides the two-time Asian junior girls champion Mary Ann Gomes.

With the format in the women’s section changed to four boards, from three, Ubilava felt that India had the depth to adapt.

“Our fourth board will be strong. Even Russia, China, Georgia etc. will also have four strong women in their team.”

Optimistic

Though India will not begin as a medal prospect, Ubilava remained optimistic and said, “it is never good to play with the pressure of starting the competition as a medal favourite. That way, I expect the girls to play freely and give their best.”

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