Great Start: Former world champion Anatoly Karpov (second from left) makes the first move for Vishwanathan Anand (left) against Vladimir Kramnik (right) during Game 6 of the 12-match World Chess Championships in Bonn yesterday. PIC/Manisha Mohite

Small built and slightly stocky, there were very little signs of aging and the thunderous applause that greeted former world chess champion Anatoly Karpov indicated his popularity.

Karpov made the inaugural move of the Game 6 of the World Chess Championship at the Art and Cultural Exhibition Hall yesterday.

Both Viswanathan Anand and Vladimir Kramnik shook hands while Karpov made his move for Anand.

In an exclusive chat with MiD DAY, Karpov shared some of his views. "I think Vishy is very favourably placed and the world title is more or less decided," said the player who once denied Anand the crown at Lausanne in 1998.

Karpov holds a record of around 161 incredible (there is some debate about the exact number) first places in chess tournaments added, "Vishy has played wonderfully so far."

Anand on top

Karpov is also the only champion to win the title by default in 1975 when the legendary Bobby Fischer did not defend his title. When quizzed whether Kramnik would make a comeback, Karpov said, "I honestly don't think so. I would give an 80-20 percent prediction in Vishy's favour."

And he even had a quick reaction when reminded that World Championships are replete with comebacks . "Not these days," Karpov, who runs an scademy in Poland, said and smiled.

Anand wins Game 6

BONN: Viswanathan Anand scored his second successive victory in 46 moves to take an overwhelming 4.5-1.5 lead in the ongoing World Chess Championship yesterday. Anand stuck to the queen pawn opening for the third time in the 12-game match. Things appeared equal from the opening to the middle-game. Then Anand won a pawn and thereafter another after the exchange of queens.   The ending was lost but Kramnik hung on and resigned from a hapless position. - Manisha Mohite