Chennai: P. Stephen Balasamy is the first person outside of Team Magnus Carlsen to learn of the Norwegian's travel plans in Chennai.
Stephen, who is the liaison officer for the world no. 1, is informed in advance even when Carlsen wants to come to the lobby of the Hyatt Regency .
The Indian Bank sports officer in Chennai can’t stop singing paeans to Anand’s challenger. Jovial, friendly, simple and downto-earth are the adjectives Stephen uses in describing Carlsen.
“It’s difficult to meet a nicer superstar. You never realise that Carlsen is the world no.1 in chess when you talk to him. He has the knack of putting people at ease during conversations,” Stephen said.
Carlsen spends his break between games either at the match venue or at a hotel on the outskirts of the city. The favourite pastime of the Norwegian during his off days, if he chooses to stay in is playing basketball and football at Santhome Higher Secondary School ground.
Carlsen makes it a point to involve the 58-year-old Stephen in football.
“His father, manager, doctor,security officer and a couple of friends also play football with him. Carlsen is a terrific player with superb reflexes and excellent control.
“He doesn’t want to lose possession. I have borne the brunt of his hard tackling. He chases balls untiringly,” the liaison officer said.
In Stephen’s assessment, Carlsen is a better basketball player. “The way he sprints to intercept passes is quite a sight. Carlsen’s shooting isn’t bad either,” he said.
According to Carlsen’s Man Friday in Chennai, the wizard completely switches off after the game. “He gets out of his room straightaway for a fun game like bowling in the nearby mall. Chess is the last thing on his mind after the match,” Stephen said.
( Source : dc )
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