Chennai: With every passing day, the number of Norwegians keeps increasing at Hyatt Regency in Chennai, as the world chess championship between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen slowly inches towards the crucial stage. “As the series progresses, we expect more Norwegians to come to Chennai. Carlsen's sponsors are also expected,“ said Carlsen's manager Espen Agdestein.
And surprisingly, there is one self-confessed fan of Anand, who reached the city on Monday night. “I was looking for an opportunity to meet Anand. I couldn't have asked for a better chance than seeing him play for his sixth title against our boy Magnus,“ IM Kjetil Stokke told this newspaper.
However, like all Norwegians, Stokke also wanted Carlsen to emerge winner. “I have been following Anand's game even before Magnus started playing chess. But I have never seen him in person. The last time Anand played in Norway I was away at work. So I have made it a point to visit India during this historic match,“ said Stokke, who works as an electrician at an oil platform, which is an hour helicopter ride over the North Sea.
Having spent about Rs 2 lakh for his two-week visit, Stokke said that he would work overtime and save money next month. “This is a big match and I couldn't resist visiting India. I have used all my money on this. Maybe I will not spend much next month and save them,“ the 30-year old IM, who also trains children in his ree time, said.
Another chess tourist, Tarjei J. Svensen, who went to the same chess school that Carlsen attended, is also in the city to watch the match. “I'm here to see Magnus win. Anand is a legend and it is very difficult to beat him. But Magnus can do it, if he plays at his absolute best. He can make history in Chennai,“ said Svensen, who works as a front editor in a website.
“Currently Carlsen is in the same league as our country's famous female boxer Cecilia Braekhus. He is as popular as a lot of skiers, snow boarders and golfers. His first world title would help him move ahead of the champions in other sports,“ added Svensen, who has also spent his own money to visit India.
Team Carlsen, who were visibly happy to see more Norwegian supporters, have facilitated them with match tickets.
And do the fans of Carlsen get to meet him? “We will not disturb him during preparation. But we may play some physical sport like soccer with him,“ added Svensen.
Stokke's take on Anand-Carlsen match: The focus is only on chess here unlike Kramnik-Topalov match which was clouded by controversies such as toilet gate. Anand and Carlsen are fighting only on the board. They are very cordial outside the glass chamber.
Svensen's take on Anand-Carlsen match: Anand is a massive player and it is very difficult to beat him, but Carlsen is amaz ng and he has it in him to defeat Anand.
