Viswanathan Anand backs Total Championship: 'Chess benefits when Magnus Carlsen competes'

Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand praised Norway Chess' vision of the Total Championship which brings Magnus Carlsen back to the world title picture. He also said that Carlsen's participation helps chess as a sport.

Anand is currently mentoring the Ganges Grandmaster in the Global Chess League. In a recent interview, Anand talked on a variety of topics and also supported the idea of the Total Championship, which has divided opinions in the chess world.

Anand backs Total Championship Tour

Norway Chess organisers, in partnership with FIDE, launched the Total Chess World Championship Tour which Carlsen also backed. It will crown a ‘Total champion’ after events across fast classic, rapid, and blitz formats.

Some fans and players said that chess, which already has multiple world championships, does not need another one. However, Anand, who was dethroned as World Champion by Carlsen in 2013, is impressed by the seriousness of the proposal.

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“It’s a pleasure to work with Norway Chess — they have a serious long-term proposal. And like I keep saying, the sport benefits when Carlsen competes,” Anand was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Anand looking forward to Candidates

R Praggnanandhaa confirmed his place in next year's Candidates but was the only Indian man to qualify. In the last Candidates, three Indian men had qualified and one of them went on to become the World Champion. Anand said he looks forward to Candidates.

“Last time there were three boys and two women. This year we have three women but only one boy," he said. "And given that Gukesh is world champion, he is essentially our candidate for the next match. He is already qualified. It’s also very good for Pragg — he had a great year and I’m looking forward to the Candidates.”

Anand also talked about Arjun Erigaisi's season where he could not win tournaments despite playing good chess. Anand said Arjun is going on the right path.

“What Arjun is doing is correct — he keeps improving. He remains a fascinating player and will be exciting to watch in GCL as well. He will definitely have (his) chances. And with many new tournaments and the fast chess/total chess circuit, he will get many opportunities,” Anand said.

As for the next upcoming Indian who will storm the chess scene, Anand gave two names.

“There are many youngsters. Pranav Venkatesh is getting strong. Pranav Anand is having a good year. I don’t know who will break out first, but we have a lot of depth and some of them will break through soon.”