Former world junior champion P. Harikrishna describing Anand's win said it was yet another inspirational performance.
“This world championship was more intensely fought by Anand compared to the previous ones. I remember him outplaying Kramnik in the opening preparations, then playing a very solid game to get the better of Topalov. But, I tell you both Gelfand and Anand prepared really hard for the Moscow battle,” Harikrishna said.
“I believe that Anand's fantastic win in the eighth game was critical, especially after losing the earlier one with black,” Harikrishna said.
“What impresses me the most is the hunger which Anand has displayed even at this age of 43. This is what should be an inspiration not only for many chess players but for any other athletes too,” the Hyderabad-based GM pointed out.
Class act
“It is a performance which reminded the connoisseurs why Viswanathan Anand stands apart from the rest of the crowd. The victory in the second game of the rapid chess today on his way to retaining the title is a classic by all means,” said IM and Indian team coach Lanka Ravi.
“I think Gelfand lost it psychologically when he surrendered the eight round game in just 17 moves — that too after beating the Indian in the previous game. That was a big blow to his hopes,” Ravi said.
