World champion Vishwanathan Anand says world No 2 Vladmir Kramnik is a tough opponent but he is confident of doing well against him in their much-awaited clash.
"I have already started preparing for it with my trainers. He is a tough opponent. I will prepare for the match (more intensely) by playing in as many tournaments as possible. I am confident of doing well," said Anand on the sidelines of a promotional function at Don Bosco school, in Matunga, Mumbai.
The match-up between 2007 champion Anand, who won the title in Mexico, and the winner of the previous year -- Russia's Kramnik -- was granted by world chess body FIDE by a special rule and will take place in Bonn, Germany, between October 14 and November 2.
Anand and Kramnik are not the best of friends on the circuit, but the Indian ace made it clear that they are not enemies either.
"I have not been on good terms with him, but neither are we enemies," he said.
Anand said he is satisfied with his performance this year.
"It has been a good year. It was good to win the Linares tournament and I am satisfied by the margin of victory," he said.
The victory in the tournament in March was his second successive one in the highly-rated event and his third overall. He coasted home with risk-free strategy by drawing his last six games and retained the crown with a good score.
Anand said he is not too concerned about the Elo ratings, and always aimed to win.
"I aim to win matches and the Elo ratings would follow," he said.
Currently, the Indian ace has an Elo rating of 2803 while Kramnik trails him with 2788.
Photograph: Arun Patil
