Henrik Carlsen and Espen Agdestein, Magnus Carlsen’s father and Manager respectively, were the toast of the media on Monday even as they revelled in all the attention.
Agdestein and Henrik paid rich tributes to the World’s premier chess player. “He is a young modern sportsperson. More children have taken to the sport. He is a role model. Chess is considered cool now,” said Agdestein.
Henrik said he is proud to be a part of his son’s team, but felt that it is a relief that Agdestein is managing Carlsen for the last two years as it has relieved him of heavy workload. “It’s good to have a manager, but I still travel with him a lot,” said Henrik.
Agdestein and Henrik were overawed by the reception at MOP Vaishnav College. “The reception has been good. We are very happy. A similar kind of reception was extended for a tournament for Carlsen in Mexico nearly one-and-a-half years ago. In Europe, I haven’t seen a reception like this.” Concurring with Henrik, Agdestein said “Our first impression has been good.”
On the illness cause, the Manager said “it is good for both Carlsen and Anand. It’s a wise solution.”
In the recent meeting between the two, Carlsen emerged winner in the Tal Memorial tournament in Moscow in June in just 29 moves. When asked whether that will give the Norwegian a head start, Agdestein said “I am happy about it (the win). But in Chennai, we start 0:0.”
