Anand plans to start academy after retiring

World chess champion Vishwanathan Anand has plans to start his own chess academy after retiring from the active chess.

"I would like to give something back to the game. May be I will start an academy and work with the youngsters or take on commentary if it is shown live on the television," said Anand in Bombay.

On the current Indian players who have impressed him,India's first Grandmaster said Krishnan Sasikiran and Abhijit Kunte were coming good.

"Also, I am impressed the way P Harikrishna is improving," he added.

Asked to compare the popularity of chess and cricket, Anand, who was accompanied by his wife Aruna, said "the game of 64 squares is looking in a healthy state today. There is always a scope for improvement and we can do a lot to make it popular. If it is popular then only it will attract people. Indians love sports and I don't see any reason why chess will not grow in this country".

Asked to comment on being referred to as 'adopted child' of Spain, Anand said the gesture is really touching. "I feel comfortable while playing in Spain but I am proud to represent India," he added.

On the new time system to be adopted by the world chess body FIDE, Anand said the system was good but it should be given a trial run before being implemented.

Asked about his performance at Corus Chess tournament, Anand said "I put my entire energy in the World championships. That doesn't mean that I took Corus easily. I did everything to win but somehow I could not do it. Also I was tired a lot due to the hectic schedule".

About his best match in the Corus tourney, Anand who is fond of playing cards, cycling and eating, said the match against Loek van Wely was good one but described the match against Morozovich as a tough one.

"Against Morozovich, I faltered in the end despite playing the opening strongly," he commented.

On his proposed match against Vladimir Kramnik, Anand said "it is just in a proposal stage now. There is no contact between me and Kramnik and there is no movement as of today".

Over his commitment towards FIDE, Anand said he will stand by the world body and play in the tournament "if FIDE feel that it is important".

Asked to comment on his sudden change of tactics from being aggressive to defensive Anand said, "I don't know why I am drawing with black. I would love to play with white as well. But my record with the blacks has also improved".

On his future tournaments, Anand said he will be playing at Monaco next month and at Lyon in June. "I might also participate in the tournaments at Frankfurt and Dortmund in July," he added.

You can also read:
Vishwanathan Anand - The King