World Champion Viswanathan Anand would not have dreamt that he will facing the same humiliating situation which challenger Magnus Carlsen endured in the first game.u00a0In fact, the World Champion humbly apologised to a record Sunday crowd after taking an early draw with White pieces. “I sensed that playing for a win was not possible in that position and I took a prudent decision by going for a draw,” Anand admitted.

In fact, though Anand feigned surprise when Carlsen whipped out the Caro Kann Defence, he must have expected it. Sicilian Defence is the favorite weapon with most of the top players but Carlsen would not have risked it against Anand — the Sicilian Slayer. So considering whatever openings were left with the challenger, Caro Kann was the most logical choice.

After a few opening moves, Anand’s position was looking threatening and the Sunday crowd at the venue and millions on the net watched eagerly as Anand’s Knights started making inroads into the Black position. Anand put more psychological pressure by ordering his pet green tea. This was to indicate that he was ready for a hand-to-hand combat and is just settling into a nice cushy position.

Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen during the first game. Pic/AFP