The world number one who became the world champion in Mexico regained the world champion title after a gap of seven years and will be defending his crown against Vladimir Kramnik in October later this year. " I am not feeling the pressure of the competition to be played in matchplay format in Bonn, Germany and I am working hard to defend the title against Kramnik," said Anand who on Wednesday was awarded the Chess Oscar for the fifth time.
"There was a cold shower when I lost my first game in the Wijk Aan Zee and then I drew some 5-6 games after a gap of couple of months. So it is very important to have memories and experience and the feel of the tension of the big chess events. It keeps one match fit," said Anand while talking about his time after becoming the world champion. Anand also ruled out any possibility of having any advantage against second-ranked Vladimir Kramnik in the World Championship.
"So far it is only Anand versus Kramnik. You have to forget that you are a World Champion and it's (the match) not between the World Champions versus a challenger," he said. Anand, who has been awarded the chess Oscar for the fifth time, also said the honour is a nice reminder of the year which was spent "beautifully".
"It's a bit delayed feeling because you get it a bit later than other recognitions. I didn't dwell much on it but it is a good feeling to remember the beautiful year which is already over six months ago," said Anand, who had a spectacular 2007 becoming the undisputed World Champion, the world number one besides reclaiming the ELO 2800 mark. Anand had also received the Chess Oscar award in 1997, 1998, 2003 and 2004. The award is given to the best chess player every year and the winner is decided by a poll of chess experts, including Grandmasters, across the world. It is coordinated by the Russian chess magazine 64.
Anand also disclosed how he had almost given up on becoming world number one last year. "For a moment I had given up on reaching number one last year. I had to be 30 points ahead of Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria which not only meant I had to earn but that he had to lose. There was a difference of 5 to 35 points," he said on regaining the top spot.