The hunger is still there: Anand

Viswanathan Anand says losing the world title to Magnus Carlsen has not diminished his hunger for success, and he is optimistic about regaining his place.

“The hunger is still there. If I will make another successful attempt at the title, only time will tell. But I will keep trying, and I am optimistic,” Anand said at a promotional event here on Sunday.

“I did not lack effort this time. Sometimes, you have to get the formula right,” he said, reflecting on his loss to Carlsen.

“Carlsen was a tough challenge and he was very strong against me. He outplayed me comprehensively,” Anand said. “I think I still need some time, and a proper frame of mind to decide on my future. ” he said.

“I had some problems on the chess board for the last one year or so, which I thought I would overcome before the match. But somehow that didn’t happen and my strategy didn’t work,” he added.

The 44-year-old five-time World Champion said the age-difference was a factor in the title clash against his 23-year-old opponent. “Yes, age did play a role, to put it mildly. But there is not much you can do about it,” said Anand, adding that he aims to play till the age of 50.